FROM   THE  LIBRARY  OF 
REV.   LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON,   D.  D 

BEQUEATHED    BY   HIM   TO 

THE   LIBRARY  OF 

PRINCETON  THEOLOGICAL   SEMINARY 


Action  /t/syj 


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^'OFPBWS 


SON 


APR11T936L 


LOGICAL  8EV 


ODES,  AND  OTHER  POEMS, 

ON 

NATIONAL    SUBJECTS; 

COMPILED    FROM   VARIOUS   SOURCES. 
BY   WM.   MCCARTY. 


PART  SECOND  — NAVAL. 


"  Don't  give  up  the  ship." 

'  Remote  from  realms  of  rival  fame, 

Thy  bulwark  is  thy  mound  of  waves ; 
The  sea,  thy  birth-right,  thou  must  claim, 
Or,  subject,  yield  the  soil  it  laves." 


PHILADELPHIA : 
PUBLISHED  BY  WM.  McCARTY, 

NO.  27  NORTH  FIFTH  STREET. 

1842. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1842,  by 

Wm.  McCartt, 

in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  Eastern  District 

of  Pennsylvania. 


Stereotyped  by  L.  Johnson,  Philadelphia. 


(Efjfs  Volume  fs  Befcfcatetr 

To  the  memory  of  Captain  Nicholas  Biddle,  who  was 
blown  up  in  the  Randolph  frigate,  of  32  guns,  near  Bar- 
badoes,  in  1776,  bravely  fighting  the  British  ship  Yar- 
mouth, of  64  guns. 

£t  ts  also  BeTucatcti 

To  the  memory  of  Captain  James  Lawrence,  who  fell  in 
the  engagement  between  the  frigate  Chesapeake,  of  36 
guns,  and  the  British  frigate  Shannon,  of  44  guns,  in  1813. 
"Don't  give  up  the  ship!" 

£t  is  also  BetJtcatetr 

To  the  memory  of  the  Officers,  Seamen,  and  Marines, 
who  bravely  fell  in  defence  of  the  rights,  liberties,  and 
independence  of  their  country,  in  the  wars  of  1776,  1804, 
and  1812. 

3xt  fs  Itftetofse  BefcicateTr 

To  the  Officers,  Seamen,  and  Marines  of  the  United 
States  Navy,  and  to  the  Apprentices  of  the  Navy,  who 
will  yet,  should  there  be  occasion,  stand  as  a  wall  of  fire 
between  their  beloved  country  and  her  enemies. 

BY  THE  COMPILER. 


AMERICAN    NATIONAL 

SONG-BOOK. 


NAVAL   SONGS. 


1  THE  GASPE. 

The  following  prose  account  of  the  capture  and  destruc- 
tion of  the  Gaspe  tender,  is  from  Cooper's  Naval  History, 
and  is  given  to  explain  the  succeeding  ballad,  which  is,  as 
near  as  maybe,  &  facsimile  of  the  handbill  published  in  1772. 

"  One  of  the  first  overt  acts  of  resistance  that  took  place 
in  this  celebrated  struggle,  occurred  in  1772,  in  the  waters 
of  Rhode  Island.  A  vessel  of  war  had  been  stationed  on 
the  coast  to  enforce  the  laws,  and  a  small  schooner,  called 
the  Gaspe,  with  a  light  armament,  and  twenty-seven  men, 
was  employed  as  a  tender  to  run  into  the  shallow  waters 
of  that  coast.  On  the  17th  of  June,  1772,  a  Providence 
packet  that  plied  between  New  York  and  Rhode  Island, 
named  the  Hannah,  and  commanded  by  a  Captain  Linzee, 
hove  in  sight  of  the  man-of-war  in  her  passage  up  the  bay. 
The  Hannah  was  ordered  to  bring  to,  in  order  to  be  exa- 
mined ;  but  her  master  refused  to  comply ;  and  being 
favoured  by  a  fresh  southerly  breeze,  that  was  fast  sweeping 
him  out  of  gunshot,  the  Gaspe  was  signalled  to  follow.  The 
chase  continued  for  five-and-twenty  miles,  under  a  press 
of  sail,  when  the  Hannah,  coming  up  with  a  bar  with  which 
her  master  was  familiar,  and  drawing  less  water  than  the 
schooner,  Captain  Linzee  led  the  latter  on  a  shoal,  where 
she  stuck.  The  tide  falling,  the  Gaspe  slewed,  and  was  not 
in  a  condition  to  be  removed  for  several  hours. 

The  news  of  the  chase  was  circulated  on  the  arrival  of  the 
Hannah  at  Providence.  A  strong  feeling  was  excited 
among  the  population,  and  towards  evening  the  town-drum- 
mer appeared  in  the  streets  assembling  the  people.   A  crowd 

1*  5 


6  NAVA.L    SONGS. 

being  collected,  the  drummer  led  his  followers  in  front  of  a 
shed,  when  a  man,  disguised  as  an  Indian,  suddenly  ap- 
peared on  the  roof,  and  proclaimed  a  secret  expedition  for 
that  night,  inviting  all  of  "  stout  hearts"  to  assemble  on  the 
wharf,  precisely  at  nine,  disguised  like  himself.  At  the  ap- 
pointed hour,  most  of  the  men  in  the  place  collected  in  the 
place  designated,  when  sixty-four  were  selected  for  the  un- 
dertaking that  was  in  view. 

This  party  embarked  in  eight  of  the  launches  of  the  dif- 
ferent vessels  lying  at  the  wharves,  and  taking  with  them  a 
quantity  of  round  paving-stones,  they  pulled  down  the  river 
in  a  body. — The  commander  is  supposed  to  have  been  a 
Captain  Whipple,  who  afterwards  held  a  commission  in  the 
service  of  Congress,  but  none  of  the  names  were  publicly 
mentioned  at  the  time.  On  nearing  the  Gaspe,  about  two 
in  the  morning,  the  boats  were  hailed  by  a  sentinel  on  deck. 
This  man  was  driven  below  by  a  volley  of  stones.  The 
commander  of  the  Gaspe  now  appeared,  and  ordering  the 
boats  off,  he  fired  a  pistol  at  them.  The  discharge  was  re- 
turned from  a  musket,  and  the  officer  was  shot  through  the 
thigh.  By  this  time  the  crew  of  the  Gaspe  had  assembled, 
and  the  party  from  Providence  boarded.  The  conflict  was 
short,  the  schooner's  people  being  knocked  down  and 
secured.  All  on  board  were  put  into  the  boats,  and  the 
Gaspe  was  set  on  fire.     Towards  morning  she  blew  up. 

This  bold  step  naturally  excited  great  indignation  in  the 
British  officers,  and  all  possible  means  were  taken  to  dis- 
cover the  offenders.  The  government  at  home  offered  a 
reward  of  £1000  sterling  for  the  leader,  and  £500  to  any 
person  who  would  discover  the  other  parties,  with  the  pro- 
mise of  a  pardon,  should  the  informer  be  an  accomplice.  But 
the  feeling  of  the  times  was  too  high  for  the  ordinary  means 
of  detection,  no  evidence  having  ever  been  obtained  sufficient 
even  to  arraign  a  solitary  individual,  notwithstanding  a  com- 
mission of  inquiry,  under  the  great  seal  of  England,  sat  with 
that  object  from  January  to  June,  during  the  year  1773. 

Although  this  affair  led  to  no  immediate  results,  it  doubt- 
less had  its  influence  in  widening  the  breach  between  the 
opposing  parties ;  and  it  is  worthy  of  remark,  that  in  it  was 
shed  the  first  blood  that  flowed  in  the  struggle  for  xA.merican 
independence  ;  the  whole  transaction  being  as  direct  a  re- 
sistance to  oppression  as  the  subsequent  and  better- known 
fight  at  Lexington. 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

King  George's  Crown — turned  upside  down ! 


'Twas  in  the  reign  of  George  the  Third 
Our  public  peace  was  much  disturb'd 
By  ships  of  war,  that  come  and  laid 
Within  our  ports  to  stop  our  trade. 

In  seventeen  hundred  seventy-two, 
In  Newport  harbour  lay  a  crew 
That  play'd  the  parts  of  pirates  there, 
The  sons  of  Freedom  could  not  bear. 

Sometimes  they'd  weigh  and  give  them  chase 

Such  actions,  sure,  were  very  base ; 

No  honest  coasters  could  pass  by 

But  what  they  would  let  some  shot  fly. 

And  did  provoke  to  high  degree 
Those  true-born  sons  of  Liberty, 
So  that  they  could  no  longer  bear 
Those  sons  of  Belial  staying  there. 

But  'twas  not  long  'fore  it  fell  out, 
That  William  Doddington  so  stout, 
Commander  of  the  Gaspe  tender, 
Which  he  has  reason  to  remember. 

Because,  as  people  do  assert, 
He  almost  had  his  "ust  desert 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

Here,  on  the  tenth  day  oflast  June, 
Between  the  hoars  of  twelve  and  one — 

Did  chase  the  sloop  call'd  the  Hannah, 
Of  whom  one  Linsey  was  commander; 
They  dogg'd  her  up  to  Providence  sound, 
And  there  the  rascal  got  aground. 

The  news  of  it  flew,  that  very  day, 
That  they  on  Nanquit  point  did  lay, 
That  night,  about  half  after  ten, 
Some  Naragansett  Indian  men — 

Being  sixty-four,  if  I  remember, 
Which  made  this  stout  coxcomb  surrender : 
And  what  was  best  of  all  their  tricks, 
They  in  his  breech  a  ball  did  fix. 

They  set  the  men  upon  the  land, 
And  burn'd  her  up,  we  understand; 
Which  thing  provoked  the  king  so  high. 
He  said,  "those  men  should  surehT  die." 

So,  if  he  could  find  them  out, 

The  hangman  he'll  employ,  no  doubt : 

For  he  has  declared,  in  his  passion, 

"  He'll  have  them  tried  a  new  fashion." 

Now  for  to  find  those  people  out, 
King  George  has  offered,  very  stout, 
One  thousand  pounds  to  find  out  one 
That  wounded  William  Doddington. 

One  thousand  more  he  says  he'll  spare, 
For  those  who  say  they  sheriffs  were : 
One  thousand  more  there  doth  remain 
For  to  find  out  the  leader's  name. 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

Likewise,  live  hundred  pounds  per  man, 

Of  any  one  of  all  the  clan. 

But,  let  him  try  his  utmost  skill, 

I  am  apt  to  think,  he  never  will 

Find  out  any  of  those  hearts  of  gold, 

Though  he  should  offer  fifty  fold. 


From  the  London  Evening  Post,  March  14th— republished  in  the 
Pennsylvania  Evening  Post,  June  8,  1775. 

2  THE  SAILOR'S  ADDRESS. 

Come  listen,  my  cocks,  to  a  brother  and  friend, 
One  and  all,  to  my  song,  gallant  sailors,  attend; 
Sons  of  freedom  ourselves,  let's  be  just  as  we're  brave, 
Nor  America's  freedom  attempt  to  enslave. 
Firm  as  oak  are  our  hearts  where  true  glory  depends : 

Steady,  boys,  steady, 

We'll  always  be  ready 
To  fight  all  our  foes,  not  to  murder  our  friends. 

True  glory  can  ne'er  in  this  quarrel  be  won ; 
If  New  England  we  conquer,  Old  England's  undone; 
On  our  brethren  we  then  will  refuse  to  fix  chains, 
For  the  blood  of  Great  Britain  flows  warm  in  their 
veins. 

Firm  as  oak,  &c. 

Shall  courtiers'  fine  speeches  prevail  to  divide 
Our  affection  from  those  who  have  fought  by  our  side  1 
And  who  often  have  join'd  us  to  sink,  in  the  main, 
The  proud,  boasting  navies  of  France  and  of  Spain  1 
Firm  as  oak,  &c. 


10  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Near  relations  of  some  who  at  court  now  do  thrive, 
The  Pretender  did  join  in  the  year  forty-five; 
And  many  in  favour,  disguised  with  foul  arts, 
While  they  roar  out  for  George,  are  fcr  James  in  their 
hearts. 

Firm  as  oak,  &c. 

Of  such  men  as  these  let  us  scorn  to  be  tools 
Dirty  work  to  perform — Do  they  take  us  for  fools '] 
Brave  sailors  are  wiser  than  thus  to  be  bamm'd : 
Let  them  turn  out  themselves,  lads,  and  fight  and  be 
damn'd. 

Firm  as  oaks,  &e. 

To  the  ground  may  disputes  with  our  colonies  fall, 
And  George  long,  in  splendour,  reign  king  of  us  all: 
And  may  those  who  would  set  the  two  lands  by  the 

ears, 
Be  put  in  the  bilboes,  and  brought  to  the  jears. 
Firm  as  oak,  &c. 


From  the  New  York  Gazette  and  Weekly  Mercury, 
November  25,  1776. 

A  FAVOURITE  SONG  OF  THE  REBELS. 

Tune— "The  Watery  God." 

The  watery  god,  great  Neptune,  lay 
In  dalliance  soft,  and  amorous  play, 

On  Amphitrite's  breast, 
When  up  he  rear'd  his  hoary  head, 
The  Tritons  sunk,  the  Nereids  fled, 

And  all  their  fear  confess'd. 


NAVAL    SOXGS. 

Loud  thunder  shook  the  vast  domain; 
The  liquid  world  was  wrapp'd  in  flame — 

The  god,  amazed,  spoke — 
"Go  forth,  ye  winds,  and  make  it  known 
Who  dares  usurp  my  coral  throne, 

And  fill  my  realms  with  smoke." 

The  winds,  obsequious  to  his  word, 
Sprung  strongly  up  t'  obey  their  lord, 

And  saw  two  fleets  away : 
Hopkins  commanded  one  brave  line ; 
The  other  navy,  Howe,  was  thine, 

In  terror  and  dismay. 

Appall'd,  they  view  America's  sons 
Deal  death  and  slaughter  from  their  guns, 

And  strike  the  dreadful  blow, 
Which  made  ill-fated  British  slaves 
Seek  life  by  flying  o'er  the  waves, 

Or  sink  to  shades  below. 

Amazed,  they  fly  and  tell  their  chief, 
That  Howe  is  ruin'd  past  relief — 

That  Hopkins  conquering  rode : 
"  Hopkins,"  cries  Amphy,  "  who  is  he  1 
Who  dares  usurp  this  power  at  sea, 

And  thus  insult  a  god  1 

The  winds  reply ;  "  In  distant  land 
A  Congress  sits,  whose  martial  band 

Defies  all  Britain's  force ; 
And  when  their  floating  castles  roll 
From  sea  to  sea,  from  pole  to  pole, 

Hopkins  directs  their  course. 


12  NAVAL    SONGS. 

"And  when  their  winged  bullets  fly- 
To  reinstate  fair  Liberty, 

And  crush  oppressive  bands, 
Then,  valiant  Hopkins,  calmly  great, 
Though  death  and  carnage  round  him  wait, 

Performs  their  dread  commands. 
Neptune,  with  vast  amazement,  hears 
How  great  this  infant  state  appears — 

What  feats  these  heroes  do  : 
Washington's  deeds  and  Putnam's  fame, 
Join'd  to  great  Lee's  immortal  name, 

And  cries,  "  Can  this  be  true  l 
"A  Congress,  sure ! — they're  brother  gods  ; 
Who  have  such  heroes  at  their  nods, 

To  govern  earth  and  sea : 
I  yield  my  trident  and  my  crown, 
A  tribute  due  to  such  renown : 

These  gods  shall  rule  for  me." 


4  THE  DEATH  OF  CAPT.  N.  BIDDLE, 

Commander  of  the  Randolph  frigate,  which  was  blown  up 
near  Barbadoes. — 1776. 

What  distant  thunders  rend  the  skies'? 

What  clouds  of  smoke  in  columns  rise, 

What  means  this  dreadful  roar1? 
Is  from  his  base  Vesuvius  thrown, 
Is  sky-topp'd  Atlas  tumbled  down, 

Or  Etna's  self  no  more? 
Shock  after  shock  torments  my  ear, 
And,  lo  !  two  hostile  ships  appear— 

Red  lightnings  round  them  glow : 


NAVAL    SONGS.  13 

The  Yarmouth  boasts  of  sixty-four, 
The  Randolph  thirty-two — no  more — 
And  will  she  fight  this  foe  ! 

The  Randolph  soon,  on  Stygian  streams, 
Shall  coast  along  the  land  of  dreams, 

The  islands  of  the  dead  : 
But  Fate,  that  parts  them  on  the  deep, 
May  save  the  Briton,  yet,  to  weep 

His  days  of  victory  fled. 

Say,  who  commands  that  dismal  blaze, 
Where  yonder  starry  streamer  plays  1 

Does  Mars  with  Jove  engage1? 
'Tis  Biddle  wings  those  angry  fires, 
Biddle,  whose  bosom  Jove  inspires 

With  more  than  mortal  rage. 

Tremendous  flash ! — and  hark,  the  ball 
Drives  through  old  Yarmouth — flames  and  all : 

Her  bravest  sons  expire : 
Did  Mars  himself  approach  so  nigh, 
Even  Mars,  without  disgrace,  might  fly 

The  Randolph's  fiercer  fire. 

The  Briton  views  his  mangled  crew — 
"And  shall  we  strike  to  <  thirty-two  V  " 

Said  Hector,  stain'd  with  gore : 
"  Shall  Britain's  flag  to  these  descend  ? 
Rise,  and  the  glorious  conflict  end  : 

Britons  !  I  ask  no  more !" 

He  spoke — they  charged  their  cannon  round ; 
Again  the  vaulted  heavens  resound  ; 
The  Randolph  bore  it  all, 
2 


14  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Then  fixed  her  pointed  cannons  true : 
Away  the  unwieldy  vengeance  flew — 

Britain,  thy  warriors  fall. 
The  Yarmouth  saw,  with  dire  dismay, 
Her  wounded  hull — shrouds  shot  away — 

Her  boldest  heroes  dead  : 
She  saw,  amidst  her  floating  slain, 
The  conquering  Randolph  stem  the  main — 

She  saw,  she  turn'd,  and  fled ! 
That  hour,  bless'd  chief,  had  she  been  thine, 
Dear  Biddle,  had  the  powers  divine 

Been  kind  as  thou  wert  brave  : 
But  Fate,  who  doom'd  thee  to  expire, 
Prepared  an  arrow,  tipp'd  with  fire, 

And  mark'd  a  watery  grave ; 
And  in  that  hour,  when  conquest  came, 
"Wing'd  at  his  ship  a  pointed  flame, 

That  not  even  he  could  shun. 
The  battle  ceased,  the  Yarmouth  fled, 
The  bursting  Randolph  ruin  spread, 

And  left  her  task  undone  ! 


First  published  in  Mr.  Francis  Bailev's  Freeman's  Journal, 
Philadelphia,  August,  1TS1. 

5  OX  THE  MEMORABLE  VICTORY 

Obtained  by  the  gallant  Captain  John  Paul  Jones,  of  Le 
Bonne  Homme  Richard,  (or  Father  Richard,)  over  the 
British  ship  of  war  Serapis,  of  forty-four  guns,  under  the 
command  of  Captain  Pearson. 

BY  PHILIP  FREXEAU. 

O'er  the  rough  main,  with  flowing  sheet, 
The  guardian  of  a  numerous  fleet, 
Serapis  from  the  Baltic  came; 


NAVAL    SONGS.  15 

A  ship  of  less  tremendous  force 
Sail'd  by  her  side  the  selfsame  course — 
Countess  of  Scarborough  was  her  name. 

And  now  their  native  coasts  appear 
Britannia's  hills  their  summits  rear 

Above  the  German  main : 
Fond  to  suppose  their  dangers  o'er, 
They  southward  coast  along  the  shore, 

Thy  waters,  gentle  Thames,  to  gain. 

Full  forty  guns  Serapis  bore, 

And  Scarborough's  Countess  twenty-four, 

Mann'd  with  Old  England's  boldest  tars 
What  flag  that  rides  the  Gallic  seas 
Shall  dare  attack  such  piles  as  these, 

Design'd  for  tumults  and  for  wars  1 

Now,  from  the  topmast's  giddy  height, 
A  seaman  cried,  "  Four  sail,  in  sight, 

Approach  with  favouring  gales." 
Pearson,  resolved  to  save  the  fleet, 
Stood  off  to  sea,  these  ships  to  meet, 

And  closely  braced  his  shivering  sails. 

With  him  advanced  the  Countess  bold, 
Like  a  black  tar  in  wars  grown  old ; 

And  now  these  floating  piles  drew  nigh: 
But,  muse,  unfold,  what  chief  of  fame 
In  the  other  warlike  squadron  came ; 

Whose  standards  at  his  mast-heads  fly. 

'Twas  Jones,  brave  Jones,  to  battle  led 
As  bold  a  crew  as  ever  bled 

Upon  the  sky-surrounded  main ; 


16  NAVAL    SONGS. 

The  standards  of  the  western  world 

Were  to  the  willing  winds  unfurl'd, 

Denying  Britain's  tyrant  reign. 

The  Good  Man  Richard  led  the  line ; 
The  Alliance  next :  with  these  combine 

The  Gallic  ship  they  Pallas  call ; 
The  Vengeance,  armed  with  sword  and  flame ! 
These  to  attack  the  Britons,  came ; 

But  two  accomplish'd  all. 

Now  Phcebus  sought  his  pearly  bed  : 
But  who  can  tell  the  scenes  of  dread, 

The  horrors  of  that  fatal  night ! 
Close  up  these  floating  castles  came : 
The  Good  Man  Richard  bursts  in  flame : 

Serapis  trembled  at  the  sight. 

She  felt  the  fury  of  her  ball : 

Down,  prostrate,  down  the  Britons  fall ; 

The  decks  were  strew'd  with  slain  : 
Jones  to  the  foe  his  vessel  lash'd, 
And,  while  the  black  artillery  flash'd, 

Loud  thunders  shook  the  main. 

Alas !  that  mortals  should  employ 
Such  murdering  engines,  to  destroy 

That  frame  by  heaven  so  nicely  join'd  ; 
Alas  !  that  e'er  the  god  decreed 
That  brother  should  by  brother  bleed, 

And  pour'd  such  madness  in  the  mind. 

But  thou,  brave  Jones,  no  blame  shalt  bear  ; 
The  rights  of  men  demand  your  care  ; 
For  these  you  dare  the  greedy  waves. 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

No  tyrant,  on  destruction  bent, 
Has  plann'd  thy  conquests :  thou  art  sent 
To  humble  tyrants  and  their  slaves. 

See !  dread  Serapis  flames  again  ! 
And  art  thou,  Jones,  among  the  slain, 

And  sunk  to  Neptune's  caves  below  1 
He  lives  :  though  crowds  around  him  fall, 
Still  he,  unhurt,  survives  them  all ; 

Almost  alone  he  rights  the  foe. 

And  can  your  ship  these  strokes  sustain  1 
Behold  your  brave  companions  slain, 

All  clasp'd  in  ocean's  cold  embrace ! 
"  Strike  or  be  sunk,"  the  Briton  cries : 
"  Sink  if  you  can,"  the  chief  replies, 

Fierce  lightnings  blazing  in  his  face. 

Then  to  the  side  three  guns  he  drew, 
(Almost  deserted  by  his  crew,) 

And  charged  them  deep  with  wo ; 
By  Pearson's  flash  he  aimed  hot  balls ; 
His  mainmast  totters — down  it  falls, 

O'erwhelming  half  below. 

Pearson  had  yet  disdain'd  to  yield, 
But  scarce  his  secret  fears  conceal'd, 

And  thus  was  heard  to  cry : — 
"With  hell,  not  mortals,  I  contend : 
What  art  thou — human,  or  a  fiend, 

That  dost  my  force  defy  1 

"Return,  my  lads,  the  fight  renew!" 
So  call'd  bold  Pearson  to  his  crew, 
But  call'd,  alas  !  in  vain : 

2* 


18  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Some  on  the  decks  lay  maim'd  and  dead ; 
Some  to  their  deep  recesses  fled, 

And  hosts  were  shrouded  in  the  main. 

Distress'd,  forsaken,  and  alone, 

He  haul'd  his  tattered  standard  down, 

And  yielded  to  his  gallant  foe ; 
Bold  Pallas  soon  the  Countess  took — 
Thus  both  their  haughty  colours  struck, 

Confessing  what  the  brave  can  do. 

But,  Jones,  too  dearly  didst  thou  buy 
These  ships,  possess'd  so  gloriously ; 

Too  many  deaths  disgraced  the  fray : 
Your  bark  that  bore  the  conquering  flame, 
That  the  proud  Briton  overcame, 

Even  she  forsook  thee  on  thy  way : 

For  when  the  morn  began  to  shine, 
Fatal  to  her — the  ocean  brine 

Pour'd  through  each  spacious  wound : 
Quick  in  the  deep  she  disappear'd  ; 
But  Jones  to  friendly  Belgia  steerM, 

With  conquest  and  with  glory  crown'd. 

Go  on,  great  man,  to  scourge  the  foe, 
And  bid  these  haughty  Britons  know 

They  to  our  "  Thirteen  stars"  shall  bend 
The  Stars  that,  clad  in  dark  attire, 
Long  glimmered  with  a  feeble  fire, 

But  radiant  now  ascend. 

Bend  to  the  Stars  that,  flaming,  rise 
On  western  worlds,  more  brilliant  skies, 
Fair  Freedom's  reign  restored  : 


NAVAL    SONGS.  19 


So,  when  the  Magi,  come  from  far, 
Beheld  the  god-attending  star, 
They  trembled  and  adored. 


6  AN  ODE. 

BY   THE    LATE    MR.  BLAUVELT, 

Commemorative  of  the  deaths  of  Lieutenants  Somers  of 
the  American  navy,  and  his  brave  companions,  before  Tri- 
poli, in  the  summer  of  1805. 

Commodore  Preble,  with  a  view  as  much  as  possible  to 
harass  the  enemy,  ordered  the  ketch  Intrepid  to  be  filled 
with  materials  for  a  destructive  explosion,  and  gave  the  con- 
duct of  her  to  Lieutenants  Somers,  Wadsworth,  Israel,  and 
a  few  others.  Their  orders  were,  to  approach,  under  cover 
of  the  night,  as  near  as  they  could  to  the  town  and  batteries, 
and,  after  firing  a  train  provided  for  that  purpose,  to  make 
their  escape  to  the  fleet  in  boats.  A  premature  discovery 
of  them  by  the  enemy,  rendered  it  impossible  for  them  either 
to  reach  the  station  which  they  contemplated,  or  to  make 
their  escape  ;  and  these  brave  men,  with  an  intrepidity 
almost  beyond  parallel,  preferring  death  to  an  ignominious 
servitude,  set  fire  to  the  train,  and  were  blown,  with  their 
enemies,  into  the  air.  This  catastrophe  is  made  the  subject 
of  the  following  ode. 


Evenit  ad  deos  — 

Aget  Penna  metuente  solvi 
Faiua  superste  — 

—  ibi  tu  calentem 

Debita  sparges,  Lachryma  faviliam. Horace. 

Recitative. 

Dark  is  the  night,  and  deep  and  lowering 
Hang  its  shadows  o'er  the  main  ; 

On  the  billow  awful  towering, 
Yonder  glide  the  warrior  train. 

Not  a  star  betrays  their  motions, 

Hush'd,  unseen,  they  hold  their  way 


20  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Sullen  as  the  calm  of  ocean, 

At  the  lurid  close  of  day. 
Lo  !  the  fleet  with  valour  teeming, 

Dimly  skirts  the  westward  sky ; 
Hope  and  doubt  alternate  beaming 

From  the  war-instructed  eye. 
Preble  there,  serene,  presiding, 

Distant  marks  the  floating  death, 
Toward  the  castle  darkly  gliding, 

Aided  by  the  breeze's  breath. 

Air. 

Chief  of  daring!  thine  is  glory 

Far  beyond  the  reach  of  Fate  : 
Slain — immortalized  in  story, 

Living — valorous  and  great. 
Thine  the  calm,  heroic  spirit, 

Firm  to  act,  and  bold  to  dare, 
Or  to  grasp  the  meed  of  merit, 

Or  the  hero's  grave  to  share  ! 

Recitative. 

Now  the  bark,  in  distance  fading, 

Glooms  beneath  the  turret-steep, 
Not  a  sound  the  ear  invading, 

Save  the  murmur  of  the  deep. 
Surely  she  has  gain'd  her  station, 

Lost  in  distance  and  in  gloom  : 
'Tis  the  pause  of  expectation — 

'Tis  the  silence  of  the  tomb. 


Warriors  !  rue  the  gale  that  bore  them  : 
Rue  the  gloom  that  wrapp'd  the  skies 


NAVAL   SONGS. 

Never  shall  the  sun  restore  them 
To  your  valour-weeping  eyes  ! 

Shield  them,  Heaven,  amid  the  explosion 
Quickly  waft  them  from  the  shore. 

Who  can  bear  the  swift  concussion  1 
Who  can  list  the  sudden  roar  ? 

Recitative. 

See,  the  flash  !  one  moment  shining, 

Ocean,  earth,  and  heaven  illume  ! 
Now,  again,  'tis  lost — resigning 

Heaven,  and  earth,  and  sea  to  gloom. 
Horror  all,  and  wild  commotion — 

Shrieks  of  millions  from  the  shore — 
Gleaming  on  the  sulphurous  ocean, 

Cannons  burst  with  rapid  roar  : 
Atlas,  trembling,  hears  the  thunder 

Bellow  through  his  shores  below ; 
Sees  his  tawny  sons  of  plunder, 

Frighted,  fly  without  a  foe. 

Air,  (by  the  Turks.) 

Allah  !  whence  this  dire  undoing 
Rushing  through  the  troubled  air "? 

Save,  0  save  thy  race  from  ruin ! 
Shield  the  faithful  from  despair  ! 

Recitative. 

O'er  the  scene,  at  length,  reposing, 
Wrapp'd  in  desolation's  reign, 

Morn,  reluctantly  disclosing, 
Faintly  gilds  the  eastward  plain. 

Chorus,  (by  the  Crew.) 

Rise  in  haste,  0  God  of  splendour  ! 
Valour  bids  thee  swiftly  rise  : 


22  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Triumph  to  the  deeds  we'll  render 
Veil'd  by  midnight  from  our  eyes. 

Hail,  the  wave  that,  to  our  wishes, 
Proudly  wafts  the  daring  few  ! 

Hail,  the  dawn  that  bears,  propitious. 
Fame  and  Somers  to  his  crew  ! 

Recitative. 

Morning  breaks — but,  ah,  to  languish  ! 

Lurid  was  the  light  it  shed 
O'er  the  inquiring  eye  of  anguish  ; 

For  the  warrior  train  are  fled. 

Air,  First. 

Gallant  warriors !  well  attended 

Rush'd.  your  valour  to  its  grave; 
Many  a  foe,  convulsive  rended, 

Grimly  sank  beneath  the  wave. 
Well  aveng'd,  ere  long,  you'll  number 

Victims,  weltering  pale  and  low : 
Many  a  Turk,  in  icy  slumbers, 

Soon  shall  knit  the  savage  brow. 
Generous  youths  your  story  telling, 

Though  a  sigh  suspend  the  breath ; 
Every  nerve  to  frenzy  swelling, 

Claims  a  victory  from  death. 

Air,  Second. 

Heralds  of  your  country's  glory, 
Dawning  on  the  path  of  time, 

Age  shall  kindle  at  your  story, 
Cherish'd  oft  in  future  rhyme. 

For,  the  bard  on  Fame  attending, 
Shall,  enraptured  by  the  tale, 


NAVAL  SONGS. 

O'er  his  harp  of  legends  bending, 
Give  your  glories  to  the  gale. 

Beauty  too,  a  wreath  bestowing, 
Bids  it  flourish  round  your  bier — 

Ever  in  remembrance  glowing, 
Ever  water'd  by  her  tear. 

Air,  Third. 

Often  shall  the  Arab  wander 

From  his  hills  of  sunny  sand, 
On  your  deeds  of  fame  to  ponder, 

Circled  by  his  listening  band — 
"  Perish'd  here,"  he'll  say,  "  the  stranger, 

When  the  star  of  night  was  high : 
Like  thee,  Christian,  braving  danger, 

Be  it  mine  like  thee  to  die !" 


SONG 


On  Captain  Barney's  victory  over  the  ship  General  Monk, 
April  26, 1782. 

O'er  the  waste  of  waters  cruising, 

Long  the  General  Monk  had  reign'd  ; 
All  subduing,  all  reducing, 

None  her  lawless  rage  restrain'd. 
Many  a  brave  and  hearty  fellow, 

Yielding  to  this  warlike  foe, 
When  her  guns  began  to  bellow, 

Struck  his  humbled  colours  low. 


But,  grown  bold  with  long  successes; 
Leaving  the  wide  watery  way, 


24  NAVAL   SONGS. 

She,  a  stranger  to  distresses, 

Came  to  cruise  within  Cape  May. 

"Now  we  soon,"  said  Captain  Rogers, 
"Shall  their  men  of  commerce  meet; 

In  our  hold  we'll  have  them  lodgers. 
We  shall  capture  half  their  fleet. 

"  Lo !  I  see  their  van  appearing — 

Back  our  topsails  to  the  mast : 
They  toward  us  full  are  steering 

With  a  gentle  western  blast. 
I've  a  list  of  all  their  cargoes, 

All  their  guns,  and  all  their  men : 
I  am  sure  these  modern  Argos 

Can't  escape  us,  one  in  ten. 

"Yonder  comes  the  charming  Sally, 

Sailing  with  the  General  Greene  : 
First  we'll  fight  the  Hyder  Ali : 

Taking  her  is  taking  them. 
She  intends  to  give  us  battle, 

Bearing  down  with  all  her  sail : 
Now,  boys,  let  our  cannon  rattle ; 

To  take  her  we  cannot  fail. 

"  Our  eighteen  guns,  each  a  nine-pounder, 

Soon  shall  terrify  this  foe ; 
We  shall  maul  her,  we  shall  wound  her, 

Bringing  rebel  colours  low." 
While  he  thus  anticipated 

Conquests  that  he  could  not  gain, 
He  in  the  Cape  May  channel  waited 

For  the  ship  that  caused  his  pain. 


NAVAL   SONGS. 

Captain  Barney  then  preparing, 

Thus  address'd  his  gallant  crew : — 
«  Now,  brave  lads,  be  bold  and  daring, 

Let  your  hearts  be  firm  and  true ; 
This  is  a  proud  English  cruiser, 

Roving  up  and  down  the  main : 
We  must  fight  her — must  reduce  her, 

Though  our  decks  be  strew'd  with  slain. 

"  Let  who  will  be  the  survivor, 

We  must  conquer  or  must  die : 
We  must  take  her  up  the  river, 

Whate'er  comes  of  you  or  I : 
Though  she  shows  most  formidable, 

With  her  eighteen  pointed  nines, 
And  her  quarters,  clad  in  sable, 

Let  us  balk  her  proud  designs. 

"  With  four  nine-pounders  and  twelve  sixes 

We  will  face  that  daring  band  ; 
Let  no  dangers  damp  your  courage, 

Nothing  can  the  brave  withstand ; 
Fighting  for  your  country's  honour, 

Now  to  gallant  deeds  aspire ; 
Helmsman,  bear  us  down  upon  her : 

Gunner,  give  the  word  to  fire." 

Then,  yard-arm  and  yard-arm  meeting, 

Straight  began  the  dismal  fray, 
Cannon  mouths,  each  other  greeting, 

Belch'd  their  smoky  flames  away. 
Soon  the  langrage,  grape,  and  chain-shot, 

That  from  Barney's  cannons  flew, 
Swept  the  Monk,  and  cleared  each  round-top, 

Killed  and  wounded  half  her  crew. 
3 


26  NAVAL   SONGS. 

Captain  Rogers  strove  to  rally  : 

But  they  from  their  quarters  fled, 
While  the  roaring  Hyder  Ali 

Covered  o'er  his  decks  with  dead. 
When  from  their  tops  their  dead  men  tumbled, 

And  the  streams  of  blood  did  flow, 
Then  their  proudest  hopes  were  humbled 

By  their  brave  inferior  foe. 
All  aghast,  and  all  confounded, 

They  beheld  their  champions  fall ; 
And  their  captain,  sorely  wounded, 

Bade  them  quick  for  quarter  call. 
Then  the  Monk's  proud  flag  descended, 

And  her  cannon  ceased  to  roar; 
By  her  crew  no  more  defended, 

She  confess'd  the  contest  o'er. 
Come,  brave  boys,  and  fill  your  glasses, 

You  have  humbled  one  proud  foe : 
No  brave  action  this  surpasses ; 

Fame  shall  tell  the  nations  so. 
Thus  be  Britain's  woes  completed, 

Thus  abridged  her  cruel  reign, 
Till  she,  ever  thus  defeated, 

Yields  the  sceptre  of  the  main. 


8  TRUXTUN'S  VICTORY. 

Constellation  and  L'Insurgent. — 1799, 

Come,  all  you  Yankee  sailors,  with  swords  and  pikes 

advance, 
'Tis  time  to  try  your  courage,  boys,  and  humble 

haughty  France. 


NA.VAL   SONGS.  27 

The  sons  of  France  our  seas  invade, 
Destroy  our  commerce  and  our  trade: 
'Tis  time  the  reckoning  should  be  paid 
To  brave  Yankee  boys. 

On  board  the  Constellation,  from  Baltimore  we  came, 
We  had  a  bold  commander,  and  Truxtun  was  his 
name  : 
Our  ship  she  mounted  forty  guns, 
And  on  the  main  so  swiftly  runs, 
To  prove  to  France  Columbia's  sons 
Are  brave  Yankee  boys. 

We  sail'd  to  the  West  Indies,  in  order  to  annoy 
The  invaders  of  our  commerce,  to  burn,  sink,  and 
destroy. 
Our  Constellation  shone  so  bright 
The  Frenchmen  could  not  bear  the  sight : 
Away  they  scamper'd,  in  a  fright, 
From  brave  Yankee  boys. 

'Twas  on  the  ninth  of  February,  at  Monserrat  we  lay, 
And  there  we  spied  the  Insurgent,  just  at  the  break  of 
day. 
We  raised  the  orange  and  the  blue, 
To  see  if  they  the  signal  knew, 
The  Constellation  and  her  crew 
Of  brave  Yankee  boys. 

All  hands  were  call'd  to  quarters,  and  we  pursued  the 

chase, 
With  well  primed-guns,  our  tompions  out,  and  well 

spliced  the  main  brace. 


28  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Then  soon  to  France  we  did  draw  nigh, 
Compell'd  to  fight  they  were,  or  fly : 
These  words  were  pass'd,  "  Conquer  or  die," 
My  brave  Yankee  boys. 

Loud  our  cannons  thundered,  with  peals  tremendous 

roar, 
And  death  upon  our  bullet's  wings,  that  drench'd  their 
decks  in  gore; 
The  blood  did  from  their  scuppers  run, 
Their  chief  exclaimed,  "We  are  undone!" 
Their  flag  was  struck,  the  battle  won 
By  brave  Yankee  boys. 

Then  to  St.  Kitts  we  steered,  we  brought  her  safe  in 

port; 
The  grand  salute  was  fired,  and  answered  from  the 
fort: 
Now  sitting  round  the  flowing  bowl, 
With  hearty  glee,  each  jovial  soul, 
Drink,  as  you  fought,  without  control, 
My  brave  Yankee  boys. 

Now  here's  a  health  to  Truxtun,  who  did  not  fear  the 

sight, 
And  those  brave  Yankee  sailors,  who  for  their  country 
fight: 
John  Adams  in  full  bumpers  toast, 
George  Washington,  Columbia's  boast, 
And  now  to  the  girls  that  we  love  most, 
My  brave  Yankee  boys. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  29 


9     CONSTITUTION  AND  GUERRIERE— 1812. 

I  often  have  been  told, 

That  the  British  seamen  bold 
Could  beat  the  tars  of  France,  neat  and  handy,  0  ; 

But  they  never  found  their  match, 

Till  the  Yankees  did  them  catch — 
For  the  Yankee  tars  for  fighting  are  the  dandy,  0  ! 

0,  the  Guerriere  so  bold, 

On  the  foaming  ocean  roll'd, 
Commanded  by  Dacres  the  grandee,  0  ! 

With  as  choice  a  British  crew 

As  a  rammer  ever  drew, 
They  could  beat  the  Frenchmen  two  to  one,  so  handy,  0 ! 

When  this  frigate  hove  in  view, 

"  0,"  said  Dacres  to  his  crew, 
"  Prepare  ye  for  action  and  be  handy,  0  : 

On  the  weather-gauge  we'll  get  her, 

And  to  make  the  men  fight  better 
We  will  give  to  them  gunpowder  and  good  brandy,  0." 

Now  this  boasting  Briton  cries, 

"  Make  that  Yankee  ship  your  prize, 
You  can  in  thirty  minutes  do  it  handy,  0  : 

Or  in  twenty-five  I'm  sure  ; 

If  you'll  do  it  in  a  score, 
I'll  give  you  a  double  share  of  good  brandy,  0. 

When  prisoners  we've  made  them, 
With  switchel  we  will  treat  them ; 
We'll  welcome  them  with  Yankee  Doodle  Dandy,  0  : 
3* 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

0,  the  British  balls  flew  hot, 
But  the  Yankees  answered  not, 
Until  they  got  a  distance  that  was  handy,  0. 

"  0,"  cries  Hull  unto  his  crew, 

"  We  will  try  what  we  can  do  : 
If  we  beat  those  boasting  Britons  we're  the  dandy,  0." 

The  first  broadside  we  pour'd 

Brought  the  mizen  by  the  board, 
Which  doused  the  royal  ensign  quite  handy,  0. 

O,  Dacres  he  did  sigh, 

And  to  his  officers  did  cry, 
0  !  I  didn't  think  the  Yankees  were  so  handy,  0. 

The  second  told  so  well, 

That  the  fore  and  main-mast  fell, 
That  made  this  lofty  frigate  look  quite  dandy,  0. 

0  !  says  Dacres,  we're  undone  : 

So  he  fires  a  lee  gun, 
And  the  drummers  struck  up  Yankee  Doodle  Dandy,  0  . 

WThen  Dacres  came  on  board, 

To  deliver  up  his  sword, 
He  was  loth  to  part  with  it,  it  look'd  so  handy,  0. 

"  You  may  keep  it,"  says  brave  Hull ; 

"  What  makes  you  look  so  dull  ] 
Cheer  up  and  take  a  glass  of  good  brandy,  0." 

0,  Britons  now  be  still, 

Since  we've  hook'd  you  in  the  gill : 
Don't  boast  upon  your  Dacres,  the  grandee,  0. 

Come,  fill  your  glasses  full, 
And  we'll  drink  to  Captain  Hull, 
And  so  merrily  we'll  push  about  the  brandy,  0. 


NAVAL  SONGS.  31 


John  Bull  may  toast  his  fill, 
Let  the  world  say  what  it  will, 
But  the  Yankee  boys  for  fighting  are  the  dandy,  O. 


10     OLD  IRONSIDES ;  OR,  THE  U.  S.  FRIGATE 
CONSTITUTION. 

BY  WILLIAM  HENRY  KING. 

Hail  !  Lion-tamer  of  the  seas, 

Thrice  victorious  in  the  fight ! 
Long  float  thy  starr'd  flag  in  the  breeze, 

Conqueror  of  England's  might. 
Thou  art  our  navy's  brightest  star, 

Our  country's  boast  besides; 
What  name's  so  dear  to  each  brave  tar, 

As  thine,  "  old  Ironsides?" 

For  when  our  country's  cause  seem'd  dark, 

And  clouds  portentous  hung, 
"  Broadsides  of  glory"  from  thy  bark 

A  halo  round  it  flung. 
The  Guerriere's  and  Java's  red-cross'd  flags 

Submissively  came  down : 
Dacres  and  Lambert — boasting  brags — 

Thy  prowess  had  to  own. 

A  trinal  triumph  has  been  thine, 

Old  cruiser  of  the  seas  : 
Fame  brightest  wreaths  for  thee  will  twine, 

Proud  victor  of  victories  ; 
For  sons  of  freedom  serve  thy  guns, 

And  valorous  chiefs  command  ; 


NAVAL   SONGS. 

Columbia's  flag  floats  o'er  her  sons — 
A  bold,  chivalrous  band. 

Cyanne  and  Levant's  scuppers  ran 

With  Britain's  bravest  blood, 
"When,  battling  'gainst  the  "  rights  of  man," 

Her  sons  so  reckless  stood. 
But,  tired  at  last,  fired  their  lee  gun, 

Resistance  was  in  vain. 
Brave  Stewart  laurel-wreaths  had  won, 

Amid  a  heap  of  slain ! 

0,  may  thy  course  be  "onward"  still, 

Thy  fate  be  glorious  yet ! 
The  past  assures  us  that  it  will : 

The  dazzling  sun's  not  set ! 
And  future  days  again  see  Hull 

Enveloped  in  victory's  smoke  ; 
Thy  Bainbridge  conquer'd  "old  John  Bull," 

And  spurn' d  his  slavish  yoke. 

Thou  bearest  the  image  of  a  chief, 

Whose  name,  and  fame,  like  thine, 
Midst  others  stands  in  bold  relief, 

And  brilliantly  doth  shine. 
Brave  Jackson  is  his  country's  boast, 

A  victor  in  war,  like  thee : 
He  vanquish'd  Britain's  choicest  host — 

Great  champion  of  Liberty  ! 

God  speed  thy  dashing  prow  among 

The  wild  surf's  laving  foam  ! 
Our  harps  to  sound  thy  praise  are  strung, 

When  thou  returnest  home. 


NAVAL   SONGS.  33 

For  where's  the  ship  can  boast  a  name 

So  glorious  on  the  wave  1 
Thy  crew's  adopted  sons  of  Fame, 

The  bravest  of  the  brave. 


11  HALIFAX  STATION.— 1812 

From  Halifax  station  a  bully  there  came, 
To  take  or  be  taken,  call'd  Dacres  by  name  : 
But  'twas  who  but  a  Yankee  he  met  on  his  way — 
Says  the  Yankee  to  him,  "  Will  you  stop  and  take 
tea?" 

Then  Dacres  steps  up,  thus  addressing  his  crew  : — 
"  Don't  you  see  that  d — d  flag  that  is  red,  white,  and 

blue? 
Let  us  drum  all  to  quarters,  prepare  for  to  fight, 
For  in  taking  that  ship,  boys,  it  will  make  me  a  knight." 

Then  up  to  each  mast-head  he  straight  sent  a  flag, 
Which  shows,  on  the  ocean,  a  proud  British  brag ; 
But  Hull,  being  pleasant,  he  sent  up  but  one, 
And  told  every  seaman  to  stand  true  to  his  gun. 

Then  Hull,  like  a  hero,  before  them  appears, 
And  with  a  short  speech  his  sailors  he  cheers, 
Saying,  "  We'll  batter  their  sides,  and  we'll  do  the 

neat  thing : 
We'll  conquer  their  bully,  and  laugh  at  their  king." 

Then  we  off  with  our  hats  and  gave  him  a  cheer, 
Swore  we'd  stick  by  brave  Hull,  while  a  seaman  could 
steer ; 


34  NAVAL    SONGS. 


And  at  it  we  went  with  mutual  delight, 
For  to  fight  and  to  conquer's  a  sailor's  free  right. 
Then  we  crowded  all  sail,  and  we  ran  alongside, 
And  we  wellfed  our  bull-dogs  with  true  Yankee  pride . 
'Twas  broadside  for  broadside  we  on  them  did  pour, 
While  cannon's  loud  mouths  at  each  other  did  roar. 

Says  Dacres,  "Fight  on,  and  we'll  have  her  in  tow, 
We  will  drink  to  Great  Britain,  and  the  cans  they 

shall  flow ; 
So  strike,  you  d — d  Yankee,  I'll  make  you  with  ease :" 
But  the  man  they  call   Hull,  says,  "  0  no,  if  you 

please." 

Then  Dacres  wore  ship,  expecting  to  rake ; 

But  quite  in  a  hurry,  found  out  his  mistake; 

For  we  luff'd.  round  his  bow,  boys,  and  caught  his 

jib-boom, 
And,  in  raking  them  aft,  we  soon  gave  him  his  doom. 

Then  Dacres  look'd  wild,  and  then  sheath'd  his  sword, 
When  he  found  that  his  masts  were  all  gone  by  the 

board, 
And  dropping  astern  cries  out  to  the  steward, 
"  Come  up  and  be  d — d,  fire  a  gun  to  the  leeward." 

Then  we  off  with  our  hats,  and  we  gave  them  three 

cheers, 
Which  bitterly  stung  all  those  Englishmen's  ears  ; 
Saying,  "  We'll  fight  for  our  couniry,  do  all  things 

that's  right, 
And  let  the  world  know,  that  green  Yankees  can  fight." 


NAVAL   SONGS.  35 


12      CONSTITUTION  AND  GUERRIERE. 

Tune — "Derry  down." 

"  By  the  trident  of  Neptune,"  brave  Hull  cried,  "  let's 

steer, 
It  points  out  the  track  of  the  bullying  Guerriere  : 
Should  we  meet  her,  brave  boys,  '  Seamen's  rights'  be 

the  cry : 
We  fight  to  defend  them,  to  live  free  or  die." 
The  famed  Constitution  through  the  billows  now  flew, 
While  the  spray  to  the  tars  was  refreshing  as  dew, 
To  quicken  the  sense  of  the  insult  they  felt, 
In  the  boast  of  the  Guerriere's  not  being  the  '  Belt.' 
Each  patriot  bosom  now  throbb'd  with  delight, 
When,  joyful,  the  cry  was,  "A  sail  is  in  sight!" 
"Three  cheers  !"  cried  the  captain :  "my  lads,  'tis  the 

foe; 
British  pride  shall  be  this  day  by  Yankees  laid  low." 
Behold  now  the  Guerriere,  of  Britain  the  boast, 
Her  topsails  aback,  and  each  tar  to  his  post: 
While  Dacres  a  flag  did  display  from  each  mast, 
To  show  that,  as  Britons,  they'd  fight  to  the  last. 

The  American  stars  now  aloft  were  unfurl'd, 

With  her  stripes  to  the  mizen-peak;  a  proof  to  the 

world, 
That  howe'er  British  pride  might  bluster  or  fret, 
The  sun  of  her  glory  should  that  day  be  set. 

Now,  primed  with  ambition,  her  guns  loaded  full, 
The  Guerriere's  broadsides  roar'd  tremendous  at  Hull; 
Not  only  the  hero,  ship,  and  crew  to  annoy, 
But  the  Hull  of  our  freedom,  our  rights  to  destroy. 


36  NAVAL    SONGS. 

As  the  brave  Constitution  her  seamen  drew  nigh, 
Each  heart  beat  with  valour,  joy  glisten'd  each  eye; 
While  Hull,  whose  brave  bosom  with  glory  did  swel  , 
Cried,  "  Free  trade — Seamen's  rights !  now  let  even- 
shot  tell." 
Quick  as  lightning,  and  fatal  as  its  dreaded  power, 
Destruction  and  death  on  the  Guerriere  did  shower, 
While  the  groans  of  the  dying  were  heard  in  the  blast. 
The   word   was,  "  Take   aim,  boys,  away  with  her 

mast." 
The  genius  of  Britain  will  long  rue  this  day. 
The  Guerriere's  a  wreck  in  the  trough  of  the  sea : 
Her  laurels  are  wither'd,  her  boasting  is  done; 
Submissive — to  leeward  she  fires  her  last  gun. 
Now  brilliant  the  stars  of  America  shine, 
Fame,  honour,  and  glory,  brave  Hull,  they  are  thine ; 
You  have  Neptune  amazed,  caused  Britain  to  weep. 
While  Yankees  triumphantly  sail  o'er  the  deep. 
The  sea,  like  the  air,  by  great  Nature's  decree, 
Was  given  in  common,  and  shall  ever  be  free : 
But  if  Ocean's  a  turnpike,  where  Britain  keeps  toll, 
Hull,  Jones,  and  Decatur  will  pay  for  the  whole. 


13  ON  THE  CAPTURE  OF  THE  GUERRIERE, 

Captain  Dacres,  August  19,  1812,  by  the  American  frigate 
Constitution,  Captain  Hull. 

AN  IRREGULAR  ODE. 

Long,  the  tyrant  of  our  coast, 

Reign'd  the  famous  Guerriere; 
Our  little  navy  she  defied, 

Public  ship  and  privateer : 


NAVAL   SONGS.  37 

On  her  sails,  in  letters  red, 
To  our  captains  were  display 'd 
Words  of  warning,  words  of  dread, 
"  All  who  meet  me,  have  a  care ! 
I  am  England's  Guerriere."* 

On  the  wide  Atlantic  deep 

(Not  her  equal  for  the  fight) 
The  Constitution,  on  her  way, 

Chanced  to  meet  these  men  of  might 
On  her  sails  was  nothing  said  : 
But  her  waist  the  teeth  display'd 
That  a  deal  of  blood  could  shed ; 
Which,  if  she  would  venture  near, 
Would  stain  the  decks  of  the  Guerriere. 

Now  our  gallant  ship  they  met — 
And,  to  struggle  with  John  Bull — 

Who  had  come,  they  little  thought, 
Strangers,  yet,  to  Isaac  Hull ; 

Better,  soon,  to  be  acquainted, 

Isaac  hail'd  the  Lord's  anointed — 

While  the  crew  the  cannon  pointed, 

And  the  balls  were  so  directed 

With  a  blaze  so  unexpected ; 

Isaac  did  so  maul  and  rake  her, 
That  the  decks  of  Captain  Dacre 
Were  in  such  a  woful  pickle, 
As  if  death,  with  scythe  and  sickle, 
With  his  sling  or  with  his  shaft 
Had  cut  his  harvest  fore  and  aft. 

*  Female  Warrior,  or  Amazon. 
4 


NAVAL   SONGS. 

Thus,  in  thirty  minutes,  ended 
Mischiefs  that  could  not  be  mended  : 
Masts,  and  yards,  and  ship  descended, 
All  to  David  Jones's  locker — 
Such  a  ship  in  such  a  pucker  ! 

Drink  about  to  the  Constitution  ! 
She  perform'd  some  execution, 
Did  some  share  of  retribution 

For  the  insults  of  the  year 

When  she  took  the  Guerriere. 
May  success  again  await  her, 

Let  who  will  again  command  her, 
Bainbridge,  Rodgers,  or  Decatur : 

Nothing  like  her  can  withstand  her 
With  a  crew  like  that  on  board  her 
Who  so  boldly  call'd  "  to  order" 
One  bold  crew  of  English  sailors, 
Long,  too  long,  our  seamen's  jailors — 

Dacres  and  the  Guerriere ! 


14     CONSTITUTION  AND  GUERRIERE. 

A  naval  victory,  obtained  by  the  American  frigate  Consti- 
tution, Captain  Hull,  over  his  Britannic  majesty's  frigate 
Guerriere,  of  forty-nine  guns,  Captain  Dacres. 

Tune— "Tally  Ho." 

Ye  tars  of  Columbia!  who  seek  on  the  main 
Redress  for  the  wrongs  which  your  brothers  sustain  ; 
Cheer  up  and  be  merry,  for  Mr.  John  Bull 
Has  got  a  sound  drubbing  from  brave  Captain  Hull. 
Sing,  smithero,  didero,  smithero  whack, 
Let  an  enemy  come,  and  we'll  trundle  him  back; 


NAVAL    SONGS.  39 

While  the  lads  of  the  ocean  shall  tell  the  proud  elf, 
He  may  "  Go  to  the  devil  and  shake  himself." 

The  bold  Constitution,  a  ship  of  some  fame — 
Sure  each  jolly  sailor  remembers  her  name — 
On  the  nineteenth  of  August  o'ertook  the  Guerriere, 
A  frigate  once  captured  by  John  from  Monsieur. 
Sing,  smithero,  &c. 

At  five,  post  meridian,  the  action  begun, 
For  she  found  'twas  in  vain  any  longer  to  run, 
So  back'd  her  maintopsail,  prepared  for  the  fray, 
As  a  stag,  when  he's  hunted,  will  oft  stand  at  bay. 
Sing,  smithero,  &c. 

Our  drum  beat  to  quarters,  each  jolly  tar  hears, 
And  hail'd  the  glad  signal  with  three  hearty  cheers : 
All  eager  for  glory,  to  quarters  we  fly, 
Resolved  for  to  conquer,  or  bravely  to  die. 
Sing,  smithero,  &c. 

Proud  Dacres  commanded  the  enemy's  ship, 
Who  often  has  sworn  every  Yankee  to  whip ; 
Who  has  always  boasted,  "'twould  be  his  delight, 
To  meet  an  American  frigate  in  fight." 
Sing,  smithero,  &c. 

This  boasting  commander  his  crew  now  address'd, 
(Which  was  partly  composed  of  Americans  "press'd,") 
Says  he,  "My  brave  lads,  now  our  wish  is  fulfill'd, 
For  'tis  better  to  capture  a  ship  than  to  build. 
Sing,  smithero,  &c. 

"  And  you  who  are    tired  of  our  boatswain's  mate's 

whip, 
And  wish  to  return  to  some  d d  Yankee  ship, 


40  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Twenty  minutes,  or  less,  of  our  fierce  British  fire 
Will  gain  me  their  ship,  and  you  your  desire." 
Sing,  smithero,  &c. 

Then  at  it  they  went,  in  a  deluge  of  fire, 
Each  party  too  stubborn  an  inch  to  retire : 
Balls,  grape-shot,  and  langrage  promiscuously  fly, 
WThile  the  thunder  of  cannon  shakes  ocean  and  sky. 
Sing,  smithero,  &c. 

At  a  quarter  past  six,  Yankee  shot  told  so  well, 
The  enemy's  mizenmast  totter'd  and  fell : 
While,  eager  to  board  him,  the  order  we  wait, 
His  foremast  and  mainmast  both  shared  the  same  fate. 
Sing,  smithero,  &c. 

Our  cabin  had  now  from  his  guns  taken  fire, 
Yet  danger  but  kindled  our  courage  the  higher : 
'Twas  quickly  extinguish'd,  while  Dacres'  lee  gun 
Proclaimed  his  ship  ours,  and  the  bloody  fight  done. 
Sing,  smithero,  &c. 

Our  prize  we  then  boarded,  all  arm'd,  in  a  boat, 
But  found  her  so  riddled  she'd  scarce  keep  afloat: 
Fifteen  of  her  seamen  lay  dead  in  their  gore, 
Where,  wounded  and  groaning,  lay  sixty-four  more. 
Sing,  smithero,  &c. 

Our  loss  was  but  seven,  who  died  in  the  cause 
Of  liberty,  glory,  religion,  and  laws ; 
While  the  like  little  number  will  bear  to  their  grave 
Indisputable  marks  that  the  Yankees  are  brave. 
Sing,  smithero,  &c. 

Now  finding  our  prize  lay  along  on  the  main, 
A  wreck  that  ne'er  could  be  refitted  again, 


NAVAL    SONGS.  41 

We  took  out  the  prisoners,  then  set  her  on  fire, 
And  soon  put  an  end  to  the  famous  Guerriere. 
Sing,  smithero,  &c. 

Now  fill  up  your  glasses,  my  lads,  to  the  brim, 
And  toast  noble  Hull  till  in  toddy  you  swim  : 
Here's  a  health  to  that  hero,  and  all  his  ship's  crew, 
For  a  braver  commander  no  navy  e'er  knew. 
Sing,  smithero,  &c. 


15  THE  CONSTITUTION. 

It  is  said  that  the  following  Song  was  written  by  an  American 
gentleman  at  St.  Bartholomews- 
Tune—  "The  Arethusa." 

Columbia's  sons,  prepare,  unite, 
Now  for  your  country's  freedom  fight, 
And  with  your  sword  maintain  her  right, 

'Gainst  pride  and  persecution; 
And  while  you  scourge  our  haughty  foes, 
I'll  sing  the  martial  deeds  of  those, 

Whose  metal  tried, 

Soon  lower'd  the  pride 
Of  Dacres,  who  brave  Hull  defied, 
On  board  the  Constitution. 

Nineteenth  of  August,  half  past  two, 
And  past  meridian,  came  in  view 
The  Guerriere  frigate,  with  her  crew, 

All  fired  with  resolution  : 
The  boasting  chieftain  bent  his  course, 
Resolved  to  put  his  threats  in  force, 
4* 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

And  with  his  guns, 
Subdue  the  sons 
Of  Yankees,  who  no  danger  shuns, 
On  board  the  Constitution. 

Our  gallant  ship  now  swiftly  flies, 
And  every  man  his  gun  supplies, 
While  our  commander  cheerly  cries, 

"  Evince  your  resolution." 
With  ardour  each  to  action  springs, 
Whilst  with  three  cheers  the  welkin  rings ; 
Our  foes,  amazed, 
With  wonder  gazed, 
To  see  Columbia's  standard  raised 

On  board  the  Constitution. 

The  Guerriere's  balls  flew  thick  and  hot 
Around  us,  which  we  answer'd  not, 
But  steer'd  till  within  pistol  shot, 

Resolved  on  execution. 
Our  first  broadside  like  thunder  roar'd 
And  brought  her  mizzen  by  the  board  ; 

Her  mainmast  too, 

And  foremast  flew 
In  pieces,  while  our  jovial  crew 
Huzza'd  the  Constitution. 

When  Dacres  first  received  this  check, 
And  saw  the  Guerriere  a  wreck, 
Himself  a  prisoner  on  the  deck, 

His  ship's  crew  in  confusion — 
Perceived  the  Yankee  boys  on  board, 
With  grief  beheld  the  union  lower'd : 


NAVAL   SONGS.  43 

All  hope  now  fled, 
He,  sighing,  said, 
The  god  of  war  to  victory  led 
The  frigate  Constitution. 

This  Briton  oft  had  made  his  boast, 
He'd  with  his  crew,  a  chosen  host, 
Pour  fell  destruction  round  our  coast, 

And  work  a  revolution ; 
Urged  by  his  pride,  a  challenge  sent, 
Bold  Rodgers,  in  the  President, 
Wishing  to  meet 
Him  tete-a-tete, 
Or  one  his  equal  from  our  fleet — 

Such  was  the  Constitution. 

Columbia's  sons  !  each  jovial  soul 
"Whose  glowing  breast  contemns  control, 
Rejoice  around  the  sparkling  bowl, 

While  wine  flows  in  profusion : 
First  Washington — our  country's  boast ; 
The  Congress  next,  shall  be  our  toast, 
One  third  is  due 
Brave  Hull  and  crew; 
Then  all  who  hold  our  rights  in  view, 

And  guard  the  Constitution. 


16  THE  CONSTITUTION  AND  GUERRIERE. 

A  sail  !  all  hands  !  the  boatswain  pipes, 

And,  instant,  at  the  signal  sound, 
Beneath  the  waving  stars  and  stripes 

Each  sailor  at  his  post  is  found. 


44  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Due  south,  close  haul'd,  in  trim  array, 
A  gallant  frigate's  on  our  lee — 

She  hoists  her  flag — my  hearts,  huzza ! 
Huzza !  the  English  ensign  see. 

O'er  all  the  crew,  with  heart  elate, 
Our  captain  glanced  his  eagle  eye, 

And  saw  each  tar  impatient  wait, 
To  meet  the  veteran  enemy. 

And  see !  with  topsail  to  the  mast, 
The  foe  destructive  fires  prepare, 

As  ship  to  ship,  approaching  fast, 
All  calm  and  silent,  down  we  bear. 

But  when  yard-arm  and  yard-arm  met, 
Our  cannon  swept  his  decks  amain, 

In  vain  that  boasted  flag  he  set, 

Which  long  had  awed  the  subject  main. 

In  vain  to  every  mast  he  nails 

That  flag;  for,  carried  by  the  deck, 

Like  shatter'd  oaks  in  wintry  gales, 

Each,  crashing,  falls — a  lumbering  wreck. 

No  Frenchmen  now  the  conflict  wage — 

The  Briton  finds  another  foe; 
And  learns,  amidst  the  battle's  rage, 

Columbia's  hearts  and  hands  to  know. 

What  shall  the  desperate  chieftain  do? 

Around,  his  bravest  men  expire  ! 
No  hope  is  left !  he  speaks — his  crew 

A  leeward  gun,  reluctant,  fire. 


NAVAL  SONGS.  45 


Columbia !  from  your  fatal  sleep 
Arise,  your  tars,  your  "rights  to  save! 

Thus  guard  their  freedom  on  the  deep  : 
Thus  claim  your  empire  on  the  wave. 


17  HULL'S  VICTORY. 

O'er  the  trident  of  Neptune,  Britannia  had  boasted, 

Her  flag  long  triumphantly  flew, 
Her  fleet,  undisturb'd,  round  America  coasted, 
Till  Hull  taught  the  foe  what  our  seamen  could  do. 
Let  the  trumpet  of  fame  tell  the  story, 
And  our  tars  give  to  honour  and  glory. 
Hark !  hark !  how  the  cannon  like  thunder  does  rattle ! 
Our  hero's  quite  cool  in  the  uproar  of  battle. 

See  the  bold  Constitution  the  Guerriere  o'ertaking, 

While  seas  from  her  fury  divide, 
The  all-conquering  foe,  boys,  our  thunder  is  raking — 
See !  her  mizenmast  falls  in  the  deep  o'er  her  side. 
See !  her  hull  now  our  bullets  are  boring, 
The  blood  from  her  scuppers  is  pouring ! 
See!  see!  she's  aboard — shall  we  yield,  boys'? — no 

never : 
We'll  fight  for  our  rights  on  the  ocean  forever. 

Brave  Hull  gave  the  order  for  boarding,  but,  wonder, 

By  the  board  main  and  foremast  both  go  ; 
A  lee-gun  proclaims  she  submits  to  our  thunder, 
Which  drowns  the  vain  boast  of  our  now  humble  foe ; 
Huzza  now  the  conquest  proclaiming, 
Our  tars  see  the  Guerriere  flaming. 


46  NAVAL    SONGS. 

See!  see !  as  she  burns  sinks  the  battle's  commotion, 
She  blows  up  and  scatters  her  hull  on  the  ocean. 

With  equal  force  let  Britannia  send  out  her  whole 
navy, 
Our  seamen  in  bondage  to  drag, 
Our  heroes  will  send  them  express  to  old  Davy, 
And  conquer  or  die  in  defence  of  their  flag. 
Let  the  trumpet  of  Fame  tell  the  story, 
And  our  tars  give  to  honour  and  glory : 
Death !  death !  they'll  prefer,  e'er  from  danger  they 

sever : 
Then  glory  to  Hull  and  our  navy  forever. 


18  THE  FRIGATE  CONSTITUTION 

A  new  song,  sung  before  the  Corporation  of  the  citv  of  New 
York,  the  Fourth  of  July,  1815. 

BY  FRANCIS  ARDEN,  ESQ. 
Tune — "Maggy  Lauder." 

Argo  of  Greece,  that  brought  the  fleece 

To  the  Thessalian  city, 
As  we  are  told,  by  bards  of  old, 

Was  sung  in  many  a  ditty. 
But  Yankees  claim  a  prouder  name 

To  spur  their  resolution, 
Than  Greece  could  boast,  and  do  her  most — 

The  frigate  Constitution. 

When  first  she  press'd  the  stream's  cool  breast, 

Hope  hail'd  her  pride  of  story; 
Now  she  o'erpays  Hope's  flattering  praise, 

By  matchless  deeds  of  glory. 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

Of  all  that  roam  the  salt  sea's  foam, 

None  floats  to  Neptune  dearer, 
Or  fairer  shines  in  Fame's  bright  lines, 

Or  more  makes  Britain  fear  her. 

'Neath  Hull's  command,  with  a  tough  band, 

And  naught  beside  to  back  her, 
Upon  a  day,  as  log-books  say, 

A  fleet  bore  down  to  thwack  her. 
A  fleet,  you  know,  is  odds,  or  so, 

Against  a  single  ship,  sirs : 
So,  cross  the  tide,  her  legs  she  tried, 

And  gave  the  rogues  the  slip,  sirs. 

But  time  flies  round,  and  soon  she  found, 

While  ploughing  ocean's  acres, 
An  even  chance  to  join  the  dance, 

And  turn,  keel  up,  poor  Dacres. 
Dacres,  'tis  clear,  despises  fear — ■ 

Quite  full  of  fun  and  prank  is — 
Hoists  his  ship's  name  in  playful  game, 

Aloft,  to  scare  the  Yankees. 

On  Brazil's  coast  she  ruled  the  roast, 

When  Bainbridge  was  her  captain : 
Neat  hammocks  gave,  made  of  the  wave, 

Dead  Britons  to  be  wrapp'd  in : 
For  there,  in  ire,  midst  smoke  and  fire, 

Her  boys  the  Java  met,  sirs ; 
And  in  the  fray,  her  Yankee  play 

Tipp'd  Bull  a  somerset,  sirs. 

Next,  on  her  deck,  at  Fortune's  beck, 
The  dauntless  Stewart  landed  : 


48  NAVAL    SONGS. 

A  better  tar  ne'er  shone  in  war, 
Or  daring  souls  commanded. 

Old  Ironsides,  now  once  more  rides, 
In  search  of  English  cruizers; 

And  Neptune  grins  to  see  her  twins, 
Got  in  an  hour  or  two,  sirs. 

Then  raise  amain,  the  joyful  strain, 

For  well  she  has  deserved  it, 
Who  brought  the  foe  so  often  low, 

Cheer'd  freedom's  heart,  and  nerved  it; 
Long  may  she  ride,  our  navy's  pride, 

And  spur  to  resolution ; 
And  seamen  boast,  and  landsmen  toast, 

The  "Frigate  Constitution.'* 


19  CONSTITUTION  AND  JAVA. 

A  new  song,  upon  the  victory  obtained  by  the  American 
frigate  Constitution,  over  the  British  frigate  Java. 

Tune— "Five  la!" 

Yankee  tars,  come  join  the  chorus, 

Shout  aloud  the  patriot  strain  ; 
Freedom's  flag,  again  victorious, 

Floats  triumphant  o'er  the  main. 

Hail  the  gallant  Constitution : 

Hull  immortalized  her  name, 
Bainbridge,  round  it,  in  profusion, 

Pours  the  golden  blaze  of  fame. 

Scarce  had  Fame  her  Hull  rewarded, 
Ere  intrepid  Bainbridge  rose, 


NAVAL  SONGS. 

Eager,  while  the  world  applauded, 
To  subdue  his  country's  foes. 

Hail,  the  gallant  Constitution,  &c. 

Hull,  on  board  the  Constitution, 
Sunk  his  foe  beneath  the  flood ; 

Fired  with  equal  resolution, 

Bainbridge  sought  the  scene  of  blood. 
Hail,  the  gallant  Constitution,  &c. 

Lambert  met  him  in  the  Java, 
Fierce  the  hot  contention  rose  : 

Like  the  streams  of  Etna's  lava, 
Fell  our  vengeance  on  the  foes. 
Hail,  the  gallant  Constitution,  &c. 

Neptune  shunn'd  the  fierce  commotion, 
Saw  his  realm  with  carnage  spread — 

Saw  our  fire  consume  the  ocean, 
Cover'd  with  the  floating  dead. 
Hail,  the  gallant  Constitution,  &c. 

Twice  had  Time  his  glass  inverted, 
While  the  strife  deform'd  the  flood ; 

Ere  the  fiend  of  death,  diverted, 
Ceased  to  glut  on  human  blood. 
Hail,  the  gallant  Constitution,  &c. 

See,  our  foe,  upon  the  billow, 
Floats,  a  wreck,  without  a  spar ! 

Lowly  lies,  on  ocean's  pillow, 
Many  a  brave  and  gallant  tar. 

Hail,  the  gallant  Constitution,  &c. 

Hark!  his  lee-gun  speaks  submission; 
Bid  our  vengeful  tars  forbear : 
5 


50  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Mercy  views  the  foe's  condition, 
Sees  a  bleeding  brother  there. 

Hail,  the  gallant  Constitution,  &c. 

Man  the  boats!  the  foe,  confounded, 

Yields  to  our  superior  fire; 
Board  the  prize !  relieve  the  wounded  ! 

Ere  in  anguish  they  expire. 

Hail,  the  gallant  Constitution,  &c. 

Ah !  the  fight  was  hard  contested, 
Groaning  there,  a  hundred  bleed  : 

Sixty-nine  has  death  arrested, 
From  their  floating  prisons  freed. 
Hail,  the  gallant  Constitution,  &c. 

Clear  the  wreck  !  she  cannot  swim,  boys ; 

See !  she  follows  the  Guerriere ! 
Now  your  cans  fill  to  the  brim,  boys  : 

Sing  our  navy's  bright  career. 
Hail,  the  gallant  Constitution,  &c. 

Toast  the  heroes  famed  in  story — 
Hull,  Decatur,  Rodgers,  Jones  : 

Bainbridge,  chief  in  naval  glory, 
Smiling  Freedom  joyful  owns. 
Hail,  the  gallant  Constitution,  &c. 


20         THE  BATTLE  OF  VALPARAISO. 

Proeliis  audax,  neque  te  silebo. — Hot. 
From  the  laurel's  fairest  bough, 

Let  the  muse  her  garland  twine, 
To  adorn  our  Porter's  brow, 

Who,  beyond  the  burning  line, 


NAVAL    SONGS.  51 

Led  his  caravan  of  tars  o'er  the  tide. 
To  the  pilgrims  fill  the  bowl, 
Who,  around  the  southern  pole, 
Saw  new  constellations  roll, 
For  their  guide. 

»  Heave  the  topmast  from  the  board, 

And  our  ship  for  action  clear, 
By  the  cannon  and  the  sword, 
We  will  die  or  conquer  here. 
The  foe,  of  twice  our  force,  nears  us  fast : 
To  your  posts,  my  faithful  tars  ! 
Mind  your  rigging,  guns,  and  spars, 
And  defend  your  stripes  and  stars 

To  the  last." 
At  the  captain's  bold  command, 

Flew  each  sailor  to  his  gun, 
And  resolved  he  there  would  stand, 
Though  the  odds  was  two  to  one, 
To  defend  his  flag  and  ship  with  his  life : 
High  on  every  mast  display'd, 
"  God,  Our  Country,  and  Free  Trade." 
E'en  the  bravest  braver  made 
For  the  strife. 

Fierce  the  storm  of  battle  pours: 
But,  unmoved  as  ocean's  rock, 
When  the  tempest  round  it  roars, 
Every  seaman  breasts  the  shock, 
Boldly  stepping  where  his  brave  messmates  fall. 
O'er  his  head,  full  oft  and  loud, 
Like  the  vulture  in  a  cloud, 
As  it  cuts  the  twanging  shroud, 
Screams  the  ball. 


52  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Before  the  siroc  blast 

From  its  iron  caverns  driven, 
Drops  the  sear'd  and  shiver'd  mast, 
By  the  bolt  of  battle  riven, 
And  higher  heaps  the  ruin  of  the  deck — 
As  the  sailor,  bleeding,  dies, 
To  his  comrades  lifts  his  eyes, 
"  Let  our  flag  still  wave,"  he  cries, 
O'er  the  wreck. 

In  echo  to  the  sponge, 

Hark !  along  the  silent  lee, 
Oft  is  heard  the  solemn  plunge, 
In  the  bosom  of  the  sea. 
'Tis  not  the  sullen  plunge  of  the  dead, 
But  the  self-devoted  tar, 
Who,  to  grace  the  victor's  car, 
Scorns  from  home  and  friends  afar 
To  be  led. 

Long  live  the  gallant  crew 

Who  survived  that  day  of  blood : 
And  may  fortune  soon  renew 
Equal  battle  on  the  flood. 
Long  live  the  glorious  names  of  the  brave 
O'er  these  martyrs  of  the  deep, 
Oft  the  roving  tar  shall  weep, 
Crying,  "  Sweetly  may  they  sleep 
'Neath  the  wave." 


NAVAL   SONGS.  53 


21  THE  OCEAN-FIGHT. 

The  nocturnal  engagement  between  the  Wasp  and  Avon 
,  gave  rise  to  this  poem. 

The  sun  had  sunk  beneath  the  west, 
When  two  proud  barks  to  battle  press'd, 
With  swelling  sail  and  streamers  dress'd, 
So  gallantly. 

Proud  Britain's  pennon  flouts  the  skies : 
Columbia's  flag  more  proudly  flies, 
Her  emblem  stars  of  victories, 
Beam  gloriously. 

Sol's  lingering  rays,  through  vapours  shed, 
Have  streak'd  the  sky  of  bloody  red, 
And  now  the  ensanguined  lustre  spread 
Heaven's  canopy. 

Dread  prelude  to  that  awful  night 
When  Britain's  and  Columbia's  might 
Join'd  in  the  fierce  and  bloody  fight 
Hard  rivalry. 

Now,  lowering  o'er  the  stormy  deep, 
Dank,  sable  clouds  more  threatening  sweep: 
Yet  still  the  barks  their  courses  keep 
Unerringly. 

The  northern  gales  more  fiercely  blow, 
The  white  foam  dashing  o'er  the  prow; 
The  starry  crescent  round  each  bow 
Beams  vividly. 

5* 


54  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Near  and  more  near  the  war-ships  ride, 
Till,  ranged  for  battle,  side  by  side, 
Each  warrior's  heart  beats  high  with  pride 
Of  chivalry. 


To  see  brave  warriors  round  each  gun, 
While  thoughts  on  home  and  carnage  run, 
Stand  silently. 

As  death-like  stillness  reigns  around, 
Nature  seems  wrapp'd  in  peace  profound, 
Ere  fires,  volcanic,  mountain  bound, 
Burst  furiously. 

So,  bursting  from  Columbia's  prow, 
Her  thunder  on  the  red-cross  foe, 
The  lurid  cloud's  sulphuric  glow 
Glares  awfully. 

Re-echoing  peals  more  fiercely  roar, 
Britannia's  shatter'd  sides  run  gore, 
The  foaming  waves  that  raged  before, 
Sink,  tremulous. 

Columbia's  last  sulphuric  blaze, 
That  lights  her  stripes  and  starry  rays, 
The  vanquished  red-cross  flag  betrays, 
Struck  fearfully. 

And,  hark  !  their  piercing  shrieks  of  wo! 
Haste,  haste  and  save  the  sinking  foe : 
Haste,  e'er  their  wreck  to  bottom  go, 
Brave  conquerors. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  55 

Now,  honour  to  the  warriors  brave, 
"Whose  field  of  fame,  the  mountain  wave, 
Their  corses  bear  to  ocean's  cave, 
Their  sepulchre. 

Their  country's  paeans  swell  their  praise ; 
And  whilst  the  warm  tear,  gushing-,  strays, 
Full  many  a  bard  shall  chant  his  lays, 
Their  requiem. 


22        BATTLE— A  NAVAL  ODE.— 1815. 

Of  Columbia  in  her  might, 
Sing  again  of  naval  war, 
"When,  in  fierce  and  bloody  fight, 
Our  gallant,  favour'd  tar, 
Brave  Biddle,  met  the  foe  on  the  wave  : 
Then  thrice  Brazilian  shore 
Heard  her  guns  triumphant  roar, 
And  its  waves  drank  deep  of  gore 
Of  the  brave. 

'Twas  March  the  twenty-third 

When  the  Hornet's  eager  crew 
The  cheering  signal  heard, 

And  the  word  as  lightning  flew, 
When  the  seaman,  from  aloft,  cried,  "  a  sail 
Then  glanced  each  stripe  and  star 
As,  on  board,  each  dauntless  tar 
Gave  three  cheers,  that  floated  far 
On  the  gale. 

Now  steady  gales  from  west 
Proudly  swell'd  the  crowded  sails, 


56  NAVAL    SONGS. 

And  glow'd  each  warrior's  breast, 
While  through  the  ship  prevails 
Deep  silence,  like  the  sleep  of  the  dead — 
Save,  at  intervals,  is  heard, 
The  captain's  mandate  word, 
"  Keep  her  steady,  thus  aboard, 
Mind  her  head !" 

Ranged  broadside  to  broadside, 
For  the  close  decisive  fight, 
Waved  the  St.  George  in  its  pride : 
But  our  victor  stars,  more  bright, 
Beam'd  defiance  to  the  might  of  the  foe : 
Soon  their  shouts  that  swell  the  gale, 
Shall  be  changed  to  sounds  of  wail, 
And  their  "  meteor-flag"  wane  pale 
In  their  wo. 

Then  fore  and  aft  each  gun 

O'er  and  o'er  its  thunders  peal'd, 
Till  the  war-clouds  veil'd  the  sun, 
And  each  gallant  ship  conceal'd. 
Yet  o'er  the  deep  the  battle  loudly  roar'd : 
Now  another  broadside  given 
As  by  lightning-blast  of  heaven, 
The  Briton's  mast  is  riven 
By  the  board. 

Now  yard  and  yard  engaged, 
O'er  the  Penguin  havoc  spread; 

Yet  the  battle  fiercely  raged 

Till  her  deck  was  strew'd  with  dead : 
And  as  the  swelling  ocean  made  her  heel, 

By  sulphureous  blaze  reveal'd, 


NAVAL   SONGS.  57 

As  each  thundering  broadside  peal'd, 
The  shatter'd  Red-cross  reel'd 
On  her  keel. 

Then  sunk  Britannia's  pride ; 

Waved  her  haughty  flag  no  more; 
But,  o'er  the  troubled  tide, 

The  proud  Britons  aid  implore, 
And  quarters  from  the  valiant  victors  crave. 
Ceased  the  fierce  and  bloody  fray, 
And  the  dun  clouds  roll'd  away, 
When,  a  wreck,  the  Briton  lay 
On  the  wave. 

Now  laud  we  that  good  Power 
Who  our  gallant  hero  saved, 
When  danger's  darkest  hour 
On  the  deck  of  fame  he  braved, 
And  the  victor's  eagle  perch'd  upon  his  crest — 
And  the  fame  shall  spread  afar 
Of  each  true  patriot  tar 
Who  has  triumph'd  'neath  the  star 
Of  the  west ! 


23       ENTERPRISE  AND  BOXER.— 1813. 

Again  Columbia's  stripes,  unfurl'd, 
Have  testified  before  the  world, 

How  brave  are  those  who  wear  'em  ; 
The  foe  has  now  been  taught  again 
His  streamers  cannot  shade  the  main 

While  Yankees  live  to  share  'em. 


58  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Huzza  !  once  more  for  Yankee  skill ! 
The  brave  are  very  generous  still, 

Bat  teach  the  foes  submission  : 
Now  twice  three  times  his  flag  we've  gain'd, 
And  more,  much  more,  can  be  obtain'd 

Upon  the  same  condition. 

The  gallant  Enterprise  her  name, 
A  vessel  erst  of  little  fame, 

Had  sail'd  and  caught  the  foe,  sirs; 
'Twas  hers  the  glory  and  the  gain, 
To  meet  the  Boxer  on  the  main, 

And  bring  her  home  in  tow,  sirs. 

Huzza !  once  more  for  Yankee  skill,  &c 

Fierce  lightnings  gleam  and  thunders  roar, 
While  round  and  grape  in  torrents  pour, 

And  echo  through  the  skies,  sirs; 
When  minutes  forty-five  had  flown, 
Behold  the  Briton's  colours  down  ! — 

She's  yielded  up  a  prize,  sirs. 

Huzza !  once  more  for  Yankee  skill,  &c. 

The  victory  gain'd,  we  count  the  cost, 
We  mourn,  indeed,  a  hero  lost! 

Who  nobly  fell,  we  know,  sirs  ; 
But  Burrows,  we  with  Lawrence  find, 
Has  left  a  living  name  behind, 

Much  honour'd  by  the  foe,  sirs. 

Huzza !  once  more  for  Yankee  skill,  &c. 

Arid  while  we  notice  deeds  of  fame, 
In  which  the  gallant  honours  claim  ; 
As  heroes  of  our  story, 


NAVAL    SONGS.  59 

The  name  of  Blyth  a  meed  demands, 
Whose  tomb  is  deck'd  by  freemen's  hands, 
Who  well  deserve  the  glory. 

Huzza!  once  more  for  Yankee  skill,  &c. 

Then,  while  we  fill  the  sparkling-  glass, 
And  cause  it  cheerly  round  to  pass, 

In  social  hours  assembled  ; 
Be  Hull,  Decatur,  Bainbridge,  Jones, 
Lawrence  and  Burrows — Victory's  sons, 

With  gratitude  remember'd. 

Huzza !  once  more  for  Yankee  skill,  &c. 


24        HORNET  AND  PEACOCK.— 1813. 

Ye  Demo's,  attend,  and  ye  Federals,  too ; 
I'll  sing  you  a  song  that  you  all  know  is  true, 
Concerning  the  Hornet,  true  stuff,  I'll  be  bail ; 
That  humbled  the  Peacock,  and  lower'd  her  tail. 

Sing  hubber,  0,  hubber,  cries  old  Granny  Weal, 

The  Hornet  can  tickle  the  British  bird's  tail ; 

Her  stings  are  all  sharp,  and  they'll  pierce  without 
fail, 

Success  to  our  navy,  cries  old  Granny  Weal. 

This  bird  it  was  bred  in  the  land  of  King  George, 
Her  feathers  were  fine,  her  tail  very  large  ; 
She  spread  forth  her  wings,  like  a  ship  in  full  sail, 
And  prided  herself  in  the  size  of  her  tail. 
Sing  hubber,  &c. 

King  George  then  says,  "  To  America  go, 

The  Hornet — the  Wasp  is  the  British  king's  foe  ; 


60  NAVAL   SONGS. 


Pick  them  up,  my  dear  bird,  spread  your  wings  to  the 

gale, 
But  beware  of  those  insects,"  cries  old  Granny  Weal. 

Sing  hubber,  &c. 

Away  flew  this  bird  at  the  word  of  command, 
Her  flight  was  directed  to  Freedom's  own  land  ; 
The  Hornet  discover'd  her  wings  on  the  sail, 
And  quickly  determined  to  tickle  her  tail. 
Sing  hubber,  &c. 

So  at  it  they  went,  it  was  both  pick  and  sting, 
The  Hornet  still  working  keen  under  her  wing  ; 
"American  insects,"  quoth  she,  "  I'll  be  bail, 
Will  humble  the  king-bird,  and  tickle  her  tail." 
Sing  hubber,  &c. 

The  Peacock  now  mortally  under  her  wing, 
Did  feel  the  full  force  of  the  Hornet's  sharp  sting ; 
She  flatten'd  her  crest  like  a  shoal  on  the  wail, 
Sunk  down  by  her  side,  and  lower'd  her  tail. 
Sing  hubber,  &c. 

Here's  success  to  brave  Lawrence,  who  well  knew  the 

nest, 
Where  the  Hornet  and  Wasp  with  honour  still  rest, 
We'll  send  them  with  force,  and  with  skill,  I'll  be  bail, 
Will  humble  King  George,  and  tickle  his  tail. 

Singf  hubber,  &c. 


25     THE  GENERAL  ARMSTRONG— 1814. 

Come,  all  you  sons  of  Liberty,  that  to  the  seas  belong, 
It's  worth  your  whole  attention  to  listen  to  my  song ; 


NAVAL    SONGS.  61 

The  history  of  a  privateer  I  will  detail  in  full, 

That  fought  a  »  six-and-thirty "  belonging  to  John  Bull. 

The  General  Armstrong  she  is  called,  and  sailed  from 

New  York, 
With  all  our  hearts  undaunted,  once  more  to  try  our 

luck ; 
She  was  a  noble  vessel,  a  privateer  of  fame  : 
She  had  a  brave  commander,  George  Champlin  was 

his  name. 

We  stood  unto  the  eastward,  all  with  a  favouring  gale, 
In  longitude  of  fifty  we  spied  a  lofty  sail : 
Our  mainsail  being  lower'd  and  foresail  to  repair, 
Our  squaresail  being  set,  my  boys,  the  wind  it  proved 
fair. 

We  very  soon  perceived  the  lofty  ship  to  be 
Bearing  down  upon  us  while  we  lay  under  her  lee; 
All  hands  we  call'd,  and  sail  did  make,  then  spliced 

the  main-brace, 
Night  coming  on,  we  sail'd  so  fast,  she  soon  gave  up 

the  chase. 

Then  to  Barbadoes  we  were  bound,  our  course  so  well 

did  steer ; 
We  cruised  there  for  several  days,  and  nothing  did 

appear : 
'Twas  on  the  11th  of  March,  to  windward  of  Surinam, 
We  spied  a  lofty  ship,  my  boys,  at  anchor  near  the 

land ; 
All  hands  we  call'd  to  quarters,  and  down  upon  her 

bore, 
Thinking  'twas  some  merchant-ship  then  lying  near 

the  shore. 


62  NAVAL    SONGS. 

She  quickly  weighed  anchor  and  from  us  did  steer, 
And  setting  her  top-gallant  sail  as  if  she  did  us  fear, 
But  soon  we  were  alongside  of  her,  and  gave  her  a  gun, 
Determined  to  fight,  my  boys,  and  not  from  her  to  run. 

We  hoisted  up  the  bloody  flag  and  down  upon  her  bore. 
If  she  did  not  strike,  my  boys,  no  quarters  we  would 

show  her; 
Each   man  a  brace  of  pistols,  a  boarding-pike  and 

sword, 
We'll  give  her  a  broadside,  my  boys,  before  we  do  her 

board. 

All  hands  at  their  quarters  lay,  until  we  came  along- 
side, 

And  gave  them  three  hearty  cheers,  their  British  cou- 
rage tried. 

The  lower  ports  she  had  shut  in,  the  Armstrong  to 
decoy, 

But  quickly  she  her  ports  did  show,  to  daunt  each 
Yankee  boy. 

The  first  broadside  we  gave  them  true,  their  colours  shot 

away, 
Their  topsail,  haulyards,  mizen  rigging,  main  and 

mizen  stay, 
Two  ports  we  did  knock  into  one,  his  starboard  quarter 

tore, 
They  overboard  their  wounded  flung,  while  cannons 

loud  did  roar. 

She  wore  directly  round,  my  boys,  and  piped  all  hands 

on  deck, 
For  fear  that  we  would  board  and  serve  a  Yankee  trick ; 


NAVAL    SONGS.  63 

To  board  a  six-and-thirty  it  was  in  vain  to  try, 
While  the  grape,  round,  and  langrage,  like  hailstones 
they  did  fly. 

Brave  Champlin  on  the  quarter-deck  so  nobly  gave 

command  : 
"  Fight  on,  my  brave  Americans,  dismast  her  if  you 

can." 
The  round,  grape,  and  star-shot  so  well  did  play, 
A  musket-ball  from  the  maintop  brave  Champlin  low 

did  lay. 

His  wound  was  quickly  dress'd,  while  he  in  his  cabin 
lay; 

The  doctor,  while  attending,  these  words  he  heard  him 
say, 

"  Our  Yankee  flag  shall  flourish,"  our  noble  captain 
cried, 

"  Before  that  we  do  strike,  my  boys,  we'll  sink  along- 
side." 

She  was  a  six-and-thirty,  and  mounted  forty-two, 
We  foaght  her  four  glasses,  what  more  then  could  we 

do; 
Till  six  brave  seamen  we  had  kill'd,  which  grieved  us 

full  sore, 
And  thirteen  more  wounded  lay  bleeding  in  their  gore. 

Our  foremast  being  wounded,  and  bowsprit  likewise; 
Our  lower  rigging  fore  and  aft,  and  headstay  beside; 
Our  haulyards,  braces,  bowling,  and  foretop  sheet  also, 
We  found  we  could  not  fight  her,  boys,  so  from  hei 
we  did  go. 

Our  foremast  proving  dangerous,  we  could  not  carry  sail, 
Although  we  had  it  fish'd  and  welded  with  a  chain; 


64  NAVAL    SONGS. 

It  grieved  us  to  the  heart  to  put  up  with  such  abuse, 
For  this  damn'd  English  frigate  has  surely  spoil'd  our 
course. 

Here's  success  attend  brave  Champlin,  his  officers  and 

men, 
That  fought  with  courage  keen,  my  boys,  our  lives  to 

defend ; 
We  fought  with  much  superior  force,  what  could  we 

do  more? 
Then  haul'd  our  wind  and  stood  again  for  Freedom's 

happy  shore. 


26    THE  BATTLE  OF  LAKE  ERIE.— 1813. 

"  To  clear  the  lake  of  Perry's  fleet, 
And  make  his  flag  his  winding-sheet, 
This  is  my  object,  I  repeat," 

Said  Barclay,  flush'd  with  native  pride, 
To  some  who  serve  the  British  crown; 
But  they,  who  dwell  beyond  the  moon, 
Heard  this  bold  menace,  with  a  frown, 

Nor  the  rash  sentence  ratified. 


And  royal  smiles  had  so  combined 
With  skill,  to  act  the  part  assign'd, 

He  for  no  contest  cared  a  straw ; 
The  ocean  was  too  narrow  far 
To  be  the  seat  of  naval  war ; 
He  wanted  lakes,  and  room  to  spare, 

And  all  to  yield  to  Britain's  law. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  65 

And  thus  he  made  a  sad  mistake  ; 
Forsooth  he  must  possess  the  lake, 
As  merely  made  for  England's  sake, 

To  play  her  pranks  and  rule  the  roast; 
Where  she  might  govern  uncontroll'd, 
An  unmolested  empire  hold, 
And  keep  a  fleet  to  fish  up  gold, 

To  pay  the  troops  of  George  Prevost. 

The  ships  approach'd,  of  either  side, 
And  Erie,  on  his  bosom  wide, 
Beheld  two  hostile  navies  ride, 

Each  for  the  combat  well  prepared : 
The  lake  was  smooth,  the  sky  was  clear, 
The  martial  drum  had  banish'd  fear, 
And  death  and  danger  hover'd  near, 

Though  both  were  held  in  disregard. 

From  lofty  heights  their  colours  flew, 
And  Britain's  standard,  all  in  view, 
With  frantic  valour  fired  the  crew 

That  mann'd  the  guns  of  Queen  Charlotte. 
"And  we  must  Perry's  squadron  take, 
And  England  shall  command  the  lake ; 
And  you  must  fight  for  Britain's  sake," 

Said  Barclay:  "sailors,  will  you  not?" 
Assent  they  gave  with  heart  and  hand  ; 
For  never  yet  a  braver  band 
To  fight  a  ship,  forsook  the  land, 

Than  Barclay  had  on  board  that  day  ; 
The  guns  were  loosed  the  game  to  win, 
Their  muzzles  gaped  a  dismal  grin, 
And  out  they  pull'd  their  tompion-pin, 

The  bloody  game  of  war  to  play. 
6* 


66  NAVAL   SONGS. 

But  Perry  soon  with  flowing  sail 
Advanced,  determined  to  prevail 
When  from  his  bull-dogs  flew  the  hail, 

Directed  full  at  Queen  Charlotte. 
His  wadded  guns  were  aim'd  so  true, 
And  such  a  weight  of  ball  they  threw, 
As,  Barclay  said,  he  never  knew 

To  come,  before,  so  scalding  hot ! 

But  still,  to  animate  his  men, 
From  gun  to  gun  the  warrior  ran, 
And  blazed  away  and  blazed  again, 

Till  Perry's  ship  was  half  a  wreck: 
They  tore  away  both  tack  and  sheet; 
Their  victory  might  have  been  complete 
Had  Perry  not,  to  shun  defeat, 

In  lucky  moment  left  his  deck. 

Repairing  to  another  post, 

From  another  ship  he  fought  their  host, 

And  soon  regain'd  the  fortune  lost, 

And  down  his  flag  the  Briton  tore  : 
With  loss  of  arm  and  loss  of  blood 
Indignant,  on  his  decks  he  stood 
To  witness  Erie's  crimson  flood, 

For  miles  around  him,  stain'd  with  gore ! 
Thus,  for  dominion  of  the  lake, 
These  captains  did  each  other  rake, 
And  many  a  widow  did  they  make; 

WThose  is  the  fault,  or  who  to  blame  1 
The  Briton  challenged  with  his  sword, 
The  Yankee  took  him  at  his  word, 
With  spirit  laid  him  close  on  board, 

They're  ours — he  said — and  closed  the  game. 


NAVAL   SONGS.  67 


27  JOHNNY  BULL'S  BIG  GUNS. 

Tune — "Shamrock  so  green." 

Sure,  have  you  not  heard  of  that  pesky  John  Bull, 
"Who  eternally  quarrels  and  acts  like  a  fool, 

With  his  big  guns  and  rockets,  and  pumpkin-shell 
bombs  1 
The  prints  they  all  tell  us,  you  know  they  won't  lie, 
They  'press'd  all  our  seamen,  gave  no  reason  why ; 
Took  all  the  fine  vessels  our  carpenters  made, 
And  they  scared  us  so  deucedly  that  no  one  dare  trade, 

With  their  big  guns  and  rockets  and  pumpkin-shell 
bombs. 

Our  Jemmy  he  bore  it,  though  grit  to  the  bone. 
Saying,  "  You'd  better  be  easy,  and  let  us  alone, 

With  your  big  guns  and  rockets  and  pumpkin-shell 
bombs. 
Why,  what  in  the  world  do  you  mean  by  this  fuss 1 
We  don't  trouble  you,  why  put  upon  us  1 
You  had  better  be  easy,  and  mind  what  you're  about, 
Or  a  slap  in  your  blubber-chops  will  make  you  look  out, 

With  your  big  guns  and  rockets  and  pumpkin-shell 
bombs." 

Then  at  it  we  went,  as  they  gave  us  no  peace, 

And  we  flogg'd  them  a  dozen  times,  sleek,  sir,  as 

grease, 
With  our  long  guns  and  muskets  and  pumpkin-shell 

bombs. 
A  twelvemonth  ago  you  got  nicely  beat; 
On  some  tarnal  big  pond,  Perry  took  your  whole  fleet, 


68  NAVAL   SONGS. 

And  then  on  another  pond,  not  quite  so  big, 
M'Donough  has  run  you  another  such  rig, 

With  his  long  guns  and  muskets  and  pumpkin-shell 
bombs. 

And  now,  as  I  said,  'twas  a  year  and  a  day 
Since  Perry  he  show'd  you  such  true  Yankee  play, 
With  his  long  guns  and  muskets  and  pumpkin-shell 

bombs. 
That  famous  M'Donough  poked  into  your  muns, 
WThat  you  could  not  swallow,  right  out  of  our  guns; 
Gave  your  whole  fleet  a  whipping  and  caused  them  to 

strike, 
And  I  guess  that's  a  joke  that  you  did  not  much  like, 
With  your  big  guns  and  rockets  and  pumpkin-shell 

bombs. 

Why  can't  you  be  easy  and  let  us  alone  1 

We  Yankees  want  nothing  but  what  is  our  own, 

With  our  long  guns  and  muskets  and  pumpkin-shell 
bombs. 
We  have  rusty  old  muskets  and  bayonets  enough, 
And  our  dads  had  a  chance  of  trying  their  stuff; 
They  fought  like  Old  Nick  for  our  freedom  and  fame, 
And  d n  the  mean  coward  that  won't  do  the  same, 

With  his  long  guns  and  muskets  and  pumpkin-shell 
bombs. 

At  length  Johnny  Bull  he  got  tired  of  such  fun, 
And  concluded  'twas  best  to  pack  up  and  run 

With  his  big  guns  and  rockets  and  pumpkin-shell 
bombs. 
If  he  comes  here  again  on  another  such  game, 
He'll  find  that  the  Yankees  are  still  the  same ; 


NAVAL    SONGS.  69 

They'll  kick  him,  and  cuff  him,  and  knock  him  about, 
That  he'll  scarcely  be  able  to  get  out  of  port, 

With  his  big  guns  and  rockets  and  pumpkin-shell 
bombs. 


28  PERRY'S  VICTORY  ON  LAKE  ERIE 1813. 

From  hill-tops  to  valleys,  where  rush'd  the  rude  foun- 
tain, 

Reverb'rating  echo  descends  to  the  plain  ; 
A  messenger  sent  by  the  maid  of  the  mountain, 

To  hail  her  brave  children,  her  sons  on  the  main. 
She  flies,  and  the  caves  utter  forth  their  devotion, 

The  forest  in  silence  reclines  on  the  air, 
She  waits  by  the  side  of  a  hill-border'd  ocean, 

And  greets  thus  those  heroes,  who  won  laurels  there. 

Rejoice,  O,  my  heart,  it  is  time  to  make  merry ; 

For  each,  in  his  turn,  has  had  at  Britain  a  blow  : 
The  last,  though  not  least,  is  the  name  of  our  Perry, 

Who  lately  has  swept  from  the  ocean  the  foe. 
By  Maiden  protected,  the  union  was  soaring, 

On  Erie  a  visit  she  durst  not  to  make, 
Until  a  ground  in  Superior,  the  fleet  slipp'd  her  mooring, 

Thus  Perry  was  posted,  who  watch'd  on  the  lake. 

Six  boats  trimm'd  for  battle,  the  red  cross  displaying, 
Commanded   by   Barclay,  with  wings   wide   out- 
spread ; 

Forsook  her  strong-hold,  on  broad  Erie  a  straying, 
To  meet  with  the  foe  she  so  lately  did  dread. 

But  Perry  in  union  Jack  joyfully  greeting, 
Address'd  thus  his  tars,  who,  impatient,  stood  by : 


70  NAVAL    SONGS. 

My  boys,  they  have  come !  let  us  welcome  the  meeting ! 
Remember  we  conquer — we  conquer  or  die. 

The  stripes  and  the  stars  on  our  banners  were  waving ; 

The  eagle  was  perch'd  in  the  noon-beaming  sun : 
The  battle  ten  minutes  at  us  had  been  raging, 

E'er  Perry  thought  proper  to  give  them  a  gun; 
Then,  like  a  strong  lion  disturb'd  in  his  quarters, 

Destruction  and  carnage  from  slumber  arose ; 
And  death,  in  a  flame,  walk'd  abroad  on  the  waters, 

In  council  deciding  the  fates  of  the  foes. 

Their  dooms  were    promulged   in   the  voice   of  the 
thunder: 

The  flash  and  the  sword  did  enforce  the  decree; 
Astonishment  stood,  with  his  eyes  stretch'd  in  wonder, 

To  witness  the  will  of  the  almighty  three. 
Half-hid  in  the  smoke  the  fleets  were  contending, 

The  jaws  pour'd  fire,  whilst  the  wide  waters  shake  : 
"  My  tars,  we   have   conquer'd  !    see  the  union  de- 
scending, 

The  eagle,  triumphant,  shall  soar  on  the  lake." 

Here's  success  to  the  name  that  shall  long  live  in 
story, 
It  is  Perry  who  pleads  with   such   force    for  our 
rights ; 
His  manners  won  art,  whilst  his  valour  won  glory — 
Now  pledge  him  a  brother,  approved  by  the  fight. 
Whilst  Perry,  in  conquest,  so  modestly  glowing, 

May  Yankee  tars  ever  receive  their  renown  : 
And  now,  whilst  in  bumpers  we  have  honours  that's 
flowing, 
Remember,  the  union  we  conquer'd  came  down. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  71 


29  THE  BATTLE  OF  ERIE.— 1813 

Avast,  honest  Jack !  now,  before  you  get  mellow, 
Come  tip  us  that  stave  just,  my  hearty  old  fellow, 
'Bout  the  young  commodore,  and  his  fresh-water  crew, 
Who  keelhaul'd  the  Britons,  and  captured  a  few. 

» 'Twas  just  at  sunrise,  and  a  glorious  day, 
Our  squadron  at  anchor  snug  in  Put-in-Bay, 
When  we  saw  the  bold  Britons,  and  clear  for  a  bout, 
Instead  of  put  in,  by  the  Lord  we  put  out. 

Up  went  union-jack,  never  up  there  before, 
*  Don't  give  up  the  ship'  was  the  motto  it  bore  ; 
And  as  soon  as  that  motto  our  gallant  men  saw, 
They  thought  of  their  Lawrence,  and  shouted  huzza  ! 

"  0  !  then  it  would  have  raised  your  hat  three  inches 

higher, 
To  see  how  we  dash'd  in  among  them  like  fire ! 
The  Lawrence  went  first,  and  the  rest  as  they  could, 
And  a  long  time  the  brunt  of  the  action  she  stood. 

"  'Twas  peppering  work — fire,  fury,  and  smoke, 
And  groans  that  from  wounded  lads,  spite  of  'em, 

broke. 
The  water  grew  red  round  our  ship  as  she  lay, 
Though  'twas  never  before  so  till  that  bloody  day. 

"They  fell  all  around  me  like  spars  in  a  gale; 
The  shot  made  a  sieve  of  each  rag  of  a  sail ; 
And  out  of  our  crew  scarce  a  dozen  remain'd  ; 
But  these  gallant  tars  still  the  battle  maintain'd. 


72  NAVAL    SONGS. 

"'Twas  then  our  commander — God  bless  his  young 

heart, 
Thought  it  best  from  his  well-pepper'd  ship  to  depart, 
And  bring  up  the  rest,  who  were  tugging  behind — 
For  why — they  were  sadly  in  want  of  a  wind. 

"  So  to  Yarnall  he  gave  the  command  of  his  ship, 
And  set  out,  like  a  lark,  on  this  desperate  trip, 
In  a  small  open  yawl,  right  through  their  whole  fleet, 
Who  with  many  a  broadside  our  cockboat  did  greet. 

"I  steer'd  her,  and  damme  if  every  inch 
Of  these  timbers  of  mine  at  each  crack  did'nt  flinch  : 
But  our  tight  little  commodore,  cool  and  serene, 
To  stir  ne'er  a  muscle  by  any  was  seen. 

"  Whole  volleys  of  muskets  were  levell'd  at  him, 
But  the  devil  a  one  ever  grazed  e'en  a  limb, 
Though  he  stood  up  aloft  in  the  stern  of  the  boat 
Till  the  crew  pull'd  him  down  by    the  skirt  of  his 
coat. 

"  At  last,  through  Heaven's  mercy  we  reach'd  t'other 

ship, 
And  the  wind  springing  up,  we  gave  her  the  whip, 
And  run  down  their  line,  boys,  through  thick  and 

through  thin, 
And  bother'd  their  crews  with  a  horrible  din. 

"Then  starboard  and  larboard,  and  this  way  and  that, 
We  bang'd  them  and  raked  them,  and  laid  their  masts 

flat, 
Till,  one  after  t'other,  they  haul'd  down  their  flag, 
And  an  end,  for  that  time,  put  to  Johnny  Bull's  brag. 


NAVAL   SONGS.  73 

"The  Detroit,  and  Queen  Charlotte,  and  Lady  Prevost, 
Not  able  to  fight  or  run,  gave  up  the  ghost: 
And  not  one  of  them  all  from  our  grapplings  got  free, 
Though  we'd  fifty-four  guns,  and  they  just  sixty-three. 

"  Smite  my  limbs !  but  they  all  got  their  bellies  full 

then, 
And  found  what  it  was,  boys,  to  buckle  with  men, 
Who  fight,  or,  what's  just  the  same,  think  that  they 

fight 
For  their  country's  free  trade  and  their  own  native 

right. 

"  Now  give  us  a  bumper  to  Elliott  and  those 
Who  came  up,  in  good  time,  to  belabour  our  foes : 
To  our  fresh-water  sailors  we'll  toss  off  one  more, 
And  a  dozen,  at  least,  to  our  young  commodore. 

"And  though  Britons  may  brag  of  their  ruling  the 

ocean, 
And  that  sort  of  thing,  by  the  Lord,  I've  a  notion, 
I'll  bet  all  I'm  worth — who  takes  it — who  takes  ? 
Though  they're  lords  of  the  sea,  we'll  be  lords  of  the 

lakes." 


30  AMERICAN  PERRY— 1813. 

Tune— "Abraham  Newland." 

Bold  Barclay,  one  day,  to  Proctor  did  say, 
"I'm  tired  of  Jamaica  and  Sherry; 

So  let  us  go  down  to  that  new  floating  town, 
And  get  some  American  Perry — 
7 


74  NAVAL   SONGS. 


0,  cheap  American  Perry  ! 
Most  pleasant  American  Perry  ! 
We  need  only  all  bear  down,  knock,  and  call, 
And  we'll  have  the  American  Perry. 

"The  landlady's  kind,  weak,  simple,  and  blind  ; 

We'll  soon  be  triumphantly  merry  ! 
We've  cash  in  the  locker,  and  custom  shall  shock  her, 
And  we'll  soon  get  a  taste  of  her  Perry — 
O,  American  Perry ! 
The  sparkling  American  Perry  ! 
No  trouble  we'll  find,  your  orders  to  mind, 
So  away  for  American  Perry." 

All  ready  for  play,  they  got  under  way, 
With  heart  and  hand  right  voluntary  : 
But  when  they  came  there,  they  quickly  did  stare, 
At  the  taste  of  American  Perry  : 
O,  the  American  Perry  ! 
Sparkling  American  Perry. 
How  great  the  deception,  when  such  a  reception 
They  met  from  American  Perry. 

They  thought  such  a  change  was  undoubtedly  strange, 

And  rued  their  unlucky  vagary : 
Your  liquor's  too  hot,  keep  it  still  in  the  pot, 
0  !  cork  your  American  Perry — 
O  !  this  American  Perry — 
Fiery  American  Perry : 
In  my  noddle  'twill  work ;  it's  a  dose  for  a  Turk — 
0  !  0  !  this  American  Perry. 

Full  surely  they  knew  the  scrape  would  not  do; 
'Twould  ruin  his  majesty's  ferry : 


NAVAL    SONGS.  75 

So  they  tried  to  turn  tail,  with  a  rag  of  a  sail, 
And  quit  this  American  Perry — 
O,  the  American  Perry ! 
Flushing  American  Perry. 
But  the  crossing  the  lake  was  all  a  mistake — 
They  had  swallow'd  so  much  of  the  Perry. 

Then  Barclay  exclaim'd,  "I  cannot  be  blamed — 

For  well  I've  defended  each  wherry : 
My  men  are  so  drunk,  and  some  so  defunct — 
If  I  strike  to  American  Perry. 
0,  this  American  Perry  ! 
Thundering  American  Perry. 
Such  hot  distillation  would  fuddle  our  nation, 
Should  it  taste  the  American  Perry." 

The  stufT  did  so  bruise  his  staggering  crews, 

That  some  with  their  feet  were  unwary ; 
While  some  had   their  brains  knock'd  out  for  their 
pains, 
By  this  shocking  American  Perry  : 
0,  American  Perry ! 
Outrageous  American  Perry ! 
Old,  tough  British  tars,  all  covered  with  scars, 
Capsized  by  American  Perry. 

The  Indians  on  shore  made  a  horrible  roar, 

And  left  every  ground-nut  and  berry ; 
Then  scamper' d  away,  for  no  relish  had  they 
For  a  dose  of  American  Perry — 
0,  American  Perry ! 
Confounding  American  Perry, 
While  General  Proctor  looked  on  like  a  doctor, 
At  the  deadly  American  Perry. 


76  NAVAL    SONGS. 

The  Briton  was  sick,  being- pcar'd  to  the  quick, 

And  his  vessels  were  quite  fragmentary ; 
So,  scolding  his  luck,  he  prudently  struck 
To  a  stream  of  American  Perry — 
0,  American  Perry ! 
Persevering  American  Perry ! 
A  whole  British  fleet,  ship  to  ship,  has  been  beat, 
By  an  American  commodore — "  Perry  !'' 

On  American  ground,  where  such  spirit  is  found, 

Let  us  toast  the  brave  "  Heroes  of  Erie ;'' 
And  never  forget  those  whose  life-sun  did  set, 
By  the  side  of  their  Commodore  Perry — 
O,  brave  American  Perry  ! 
Triumphant  American  Perry ! 
Let  us  remember  the  "  Tenth  of  September," 
When  a  fleet  struck  to  Commodore  Perry. 


31  PARLIAMENT  OF  ENGLAND. 

You  Parliament  of  England,  you  Lords  and  Commons 

too, 
Consider  well  what  you're  about,  and  what  you  mean 

to  do; 
You're  now  at  war  with  Yankees  :  I'm  sure  you'll  rue 

the  day 
You  roused  the  sons  of  Liberty  in  North  America. 

You  first  confined  our  commerce  :  you  said  our  ships 

shan't  trade, 
You  then  impress'd  our  seamen,  and  used  them  as 

slaves ; 


NAVAL    SONGS.  77 

You  then  insulted  Rodgers,  while  cruising  on  the 

main, 
And  had  we  not  declared  war,  you'd  done  it  o'er  again. 

You  thought  our  frigates  were  but  few,  and  Yankees 

could  not  fight, 
Until  bold  Hull  the  Guerriere  took,  and  banish'd  her 

from  sight. 
The  Wasp  next  took  your  Frolic — you  nothing  said 

to  that: 
The  Poictiers  being  off  the  coast,  of  course  you  took 

her  back. 

Next  your  Macedonian,  no  finer  ship  could  swim, 
Decatur  took    her  gilt-work   off,   and   then  he   took 

her  in. 
The  Java  by  a  Yankee  ship  was  sunk,  you  all  must 

know ; 
The  Peacock,  in  all  her  pride,  by  Lawrence  down 

did  go. 

Then  you  sent  your  Boxer,  to  beat  us  all  about, 

We  had  an  Enterprising  brig,  that  beat  the  Boxer  out; 

Then  boxed  her  up  to  Portland,  and  moor'd  her  off 

the  town, 
To  show  the  sons  of  Liberty  this  Boxer  of  renown. 

Then  up  upon  Lake  Erie  brave  Perry  had  some  fun  : 
You  own  he  beat  your  naval  force,  and  caused  them 

to  run ; 
While  Chauncey,  on  Ontario,  the  like  ne'er  known 

before, 
Your  British  squadron  beat  complete — some  took, 

some  run  ashore. 

7* 


78  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Then  your  brave  Indian  allies,  you  call'd  them  by  that 
name, 

Until  they  turn'd  the  tomahawk,  they  savages  be- 
came ; 

Your  mean  insinuations  they  despised  from  their  souls, 

And  join'd  the  sons  of  Liberty,  that  scorn  to  be  con- 
troll'd. 

Now  remember,  you  Britons,  far  distant  is  the  day 

That  e'er  you'll  gain  by  British  forceyour  lost  America; 

Go  tell  your  king  and  parliament,  by  all  the  world  it's 
known, 

That  British  force,  by  sea  and  land's  by  Yankees  over- 
thrown. 

Use  every  endeavour,  and  try  to  cause  a  peace, 

For  Yankee  ships  are  building  fast,  their  navy  to  in- 
crease. 

They  will  enforce  their  commerce:  their  laws  by 
Heaven  were  made, 

That  Yankee  ships,  in  time  of  peace,  to  any  port 
might  trade. 

Grant  us  free  trade  and  commerce,  don't  you  impress 
our  men; 

Give  up  all  claims  to  Canada,  then  we'll  make  peace 
again. 

Then,  England,  we'll  respect  you,  and  treat  you  as  a 
friend; 

Respect  our  flag  and  citizens,  then  all  these  wars  will 
end. 

Our  Rodgers,  in  the  President,  will  burn,  sink,  and 

destroy, 
The  Congress,  on  the  Brazil  coast,  your  commerce 

will  annoy. 


NAVAL   SONGS.  79 

The  Essex,  in  the  South  Sea,  will  put  out  all  your  lights, 
The  flag  she  wears  at  mast-head,  is  "  Free  trade,  and 
sailor's  rights." 


32  TOM  JUNK. 

Tune — "Thy  Blue  Waves,  O  Carron." 

"  The  wave  of  old  Ocean's  the  field  for  the  brave, 

D'ye  see,  Jack,"  thus  says  the  old  song  as  it  goes ; 
"And,  somehow  or  other,  if  one  meets  a  grave, 

Why,  it  comes  in  the  shape  of  our  country's  foes. 
And  to  die  in  the  cause  of  mankind,  and  our  own, 

Is  the  pride  and  the  joy  of  a  true-hearted  tar ; 
While  the  cherub  of  light  sweetly  sings  his  renown, 

Which  flies  to  the  land  of  his  home  from  afar." 

'Twas  thus  as  we  swung  in  our  hammocks  one  night, 

Tom  Junk  to  his  messmates  so  gallantly  spake, 
We  heard  him  with  joy,  and  our  bosoms  beat  light, 

In  the  hope  that  we  stood  in  the  enemy's  wake. 
Next  day  was  the  battle — our  foes  they  were  bold, 

But  American  sailors  to  conquer  were  sworn ; 
And  though  fiercely  the  tide  of  the  conflict  was  roll'd, 

The  wreath  from  the  brow  of  Britannia  was  torn. 

In  the  midst  of  the  fight,  when  the  scuppers  ran  blood, 

Bold  Tom,  like  a  lion,  the  contest  maintain'd ; 
At  his  gun,  undismay'd  and  collected,  he  stood, 

While  the  bullets  on  deck  like  a  wild  tempest  rain'd. 
He  stood  at  his  gun,  with  a  soul  so  serene, 

That  he  jested  and  laugh'd  to  his  messmates  around ; 
But  the  moment  that  victory  lighted  the  scene, 

He  fell,  like  the  oak,  in  full  majesty  crown'd. 


80  NAVAL    SONGS. 

He  fell — but  the  soul  of  the  sailor  was  strong : 

His  eyes  to  the  flag  of  Columbia  rose, 
And  he  smiled  to  his  friends,  as  it  floated  along 

From  the  top  of  the  conquer'd,  but  proudest  of  foes. 
He  smiled,  but  the  cheek  of  the  hero  grew  pale: 

Huzza !  and  his  eyes  were  no  longer  so  bright ; 
His  soul  on  the  pinions  of  glory  set  sail, 

And  Victory  bore  him  aloft  in  our  sight. 


33    ON  VIEWING  THE  NAVAL  PROCES- 
SION AT  NEW  YORK, 
September  15,  1813. 
Where  slowly  moves  the  warrior's  laurell'd  bier 

In  all  the  pomp  of  wo — its  sad  array; 
Why  Nature  there  refuse  the  tribute  tear, 

Which  still  to  WTorth,  to  Genius  she  will  pay? 

Why,  Sympathy,  didst  sleep  within  thy  coral  cell, 
As  pass'd  Columbia's  fallen  hero  by  : 

And  no  fond  looks  his  deeds  of  valour  tell, 
Nor  crystal  tear-drop  fill  the  trembling  eye! 

Such  were  not  Nature  in  that  lofty  hour, 

When  patriots  feel  the  hero  gone  from  earth  ; 

The  soul,  enchanted  by  a  bolder  power, 
Gives  to  each  passion  yet  a  nobler  birth. 

A  sacred  fire  burns  in  every  vein, 

O'er  every  limb — through  every  nerve  it  steals  ; 
Thrills  through  the  heart  with  unresisted  reign, 

Refines  the  spirit  that  sublimely  feels  ! 

Upward  is  raised  the  soul-expressing  eye, 
Flash'd  with  its  generous,  its  exulting  fire; 


NAVAL   SONGS. 

Follows  the  hero  to  his  kindred  sky, 
And  hears  the  requiem  of  celestial  choir! 

The  solemn  scene,  less  eloquent  of  woes, 
Tells  of  heroic  worth,  of  deeds  in  arms; 

A  kindling  joy  through  every  life-pulse  glows- 
Passion  is  clad  in  more  than  mortal  charms. 

And  as  he  pauses  'bove  the  array  of  earth, 
The  soul  is  busied  in  its  proud  employ; 

'Tis  there  it  feels — it  owns  immortal  birth — 
The  hallow'd  scene  is  redolent  of  joy ! 

But  onward — follow  to  the  silent  grave, 

Where  the  cold  clods  with  solemn  music  blend; 

O  !  Nature  there  her  tender  tribute  gave, 

And  wept  the  Christian,  father,  and  the  friend. 

The  sterner  warrior  melts  with  willing  wo, 
Nor  shames  to  feel  the  kindred  pulse  of  earth  ; 

A  small,  fond  relic,  that  we  still  may  know, 
How  the  celestial  was  of  mortal  birth. 

Each  loftier  passion  left  its  wonted  throne, 
And  from  the  trembling  soul  a  moment  fled  ; 

Dear  Sensibility  then  claims  her  own, 
He  who  in  victory  Pity  captive  lead  ! 

The  paeans  swell,  with  solemn  musings  fraught, 
Nor  raised  the  heart,  nor  tranquillized  the  soul — 

Back  to  the  world  that  fleeting  form  it  brought; 
Of  him  endear'd  by  Virtue's  soft  control. 

Columbia  long  for  such  a  son  shall  mourn; 

The  stranger  oft  shall  pause  upon  his  grave  ; 
And  many  a  hand  shall  decorate  his  urn, 

And  love  to  stay  where  sleeps  the  fallen  brave 


82  NAVAL    SONGS. 

The  patriot  here  his  votive  wreath  shall  twine, 
Long  shall  he  glory  in  the  warrior's  name — 

The  name  of  Lawrence  purity  enshrine, 

Who  fought  for  freedom,  hallow'd  is  by  fame. 


34  PERRY'S  VICTORY. 

Ye  tars  of  Columbia,  give  ear  to  my  story, 

Who  fought  with  brave  Perry,  where  cannons  did 
roar; 
Yrour  valour  has  gain'd  you  an  immortal  glory, 

A  fame  that  shall  last  till  time  is  no  more. 
Columbian  tars  are  the  true  sons  of  Mars, 

They  rake  fore  and  aft,  when  they  fight  on  the  deep  ; 
On  the  bed  of  Lake  Erie,  commanded  by  Perry, 

They  caused  many  Britons  to  take  their  last  sleep. 
The  tenth  of  September,  let  us  all  remember, 

So  long  as  the  globe  on  her  axis  rolls  round ; 
Our  tars  and  marines,  on  Lake  Erie  were  seen, 

To  make  the  proud  flag  of  Great  Britain  come  down. 
The  van  of  our  fleet,  the  British  to  meet, 

Commanded  by  Perry,  the  Lawrence  bore  down. 
Her  guns  they  did  roar  with  such  terrific  power, 

That  savages  trembled  at  the  dreadful  sound. 
The  Lawrence  sustained  a  most  dreadful  fire; 

She  fought  three  to  one,  for  two  glasses  or  more ; 
While  Perry,  undaunted,  did  firmly  stand  by  her, 

The  proud  foe  on  her  heavy  broadsides  did  pour. 
Her  masts  being  shatter'd,  her  rigging  all  tatter'd, 

Her  booms  and  her  yards  being  all  shot  away; 
And  few  left  on  deck  to  manage  the  wreck, 

Our  hero  on  board  her  no  longer  could  stay. 


NAVAL   SOXGS. 

In  this  situation,  the  pride  of  our  nation 

Sure  Heaven  had  guarded  unhurt  all  the  while, 
While  many  a  hero,  maintaining  his  station, 

Fell  close  by  his  side,  and  was  thrown  on  the  pile. 
But  mark  you,  and  wonder,  when  elements  thunder, 

When  death  and  destruction  are  stalking  all  round, 
His  flag  he  did  carry  on  board  the  Niagara; 

Such  valour  on  record  was  never  yet  found. 

There  is  one  gallant  act  of  our  noble  commander, 

While  writing  my  song,  I  must  notice  with  pride ; 
While  launch'd  in  the  boat,  that  carried  the  standard, 

A  ball  whistled  through  her,  just  close  by  his  side. 
Says  Perry,  «  The  rascals  intend  for  to  drown  us, 

But  push  on,  my  brave  boys,  you  never  need  fear !" 
And  with  his  own  coat  he  plugg'd  up  the  boat, 

And  through  fire  and  sulphur  away  he  did  steer. 

The  famed  Niagara,  now  proud  of  her  Perry, 

Display'd  all  her  banners  in  gallant  array ; 
And  twenty-five  guns  on  her  deck  she  did  carry, 

Which  soon  put  an  end  to  this  bloody  affray. 
The  rear  of  our  fleet  was  brought  up  complete, 

The  signal  was  given  to  break  through  the  line ; 
While  starboard  and  larboard,  and  from  every  quarter, 

The  lamps  of  Columbia  did  gloriously  shine. 

The  bold  British  Lion  roar'd  out  his  last  thunder, 

WThen  Perry  attacked  him  close  in  the  rear; 
Columbia's  eagle  soon  made  him  crouch  under, 

And  roar  out  for  quarter,  as  soon  you  shall  hear. 
0,  had  you  been  there,  I  now  do  declare, 

Such  a  sight  as  you  never  had  seen  before  ; 
Six  red  bloody  flags,  that  no  longer  could  wag, 

All  lay  at  the  feet  of  our  brave  commodore. 


84 


NAVAL    SONGS. 


Brave  Elliot,  whose  valour  must  now  be  recorded, 

On  board  the  Niagara  so  well  play'd  his  part, 
His  gallant  assistance  to  Perry  afforded, 

"We'll  place  him  the  second  on  Lake  Erie's  chart. 
In  the  midst  of  the  battle,  when  guns  they  did  rattle, 

The  Lawrence  a  wreck,  and  the  men  'most  all  slain  ; 
Away  he  did  steer,  and  brought  up  the  rear, 

And  by  this  manoeuvre  the  victory  was  gain'd. 
0,  had  you  but  seen  those  noble  commanders 

Embracing  each  other  when  the  conflict  was  o'er; 
And  viewing  all  those  invincible  standards, 

That  never  had  yielded  to  any  before. 
Says  Perry,  "  Brave  Elliot,  give  me  your  hand,  sir  ; 

This  day  we  have  gain'd  an  immortal  renown ; 
So  long  as  Columbia  Lake  Erie  commands,  sir, 

Let  brave  Captain  Elliot  with  laurels  be  crown'd." 

Great  Britain  may  boast  of  her  conquering  heroes, 

Her  Rodneys,  her  Nelsons,  and  all  the  whole  crew; 
But  none  in  their  glory  have  told  such  a  story, 

Nor  boasted  such  feats  as  Columbians  do. 
The  whole  British  fleet  was  captured  complete, 

Not  one  single  vessel  from  us  got  away  ; 
And  prisoners  some  hundreds,  Columbians  wondered, 

To  see  them  all  anchor'd  and  moor'd  in  our  bay. 

May  Heaven  still  smile  on  the  shades  of  our  heroes 

Who  fought  in  that  conflict,  their  country  to  save, 
And  check  the  proud  spirit  of  those  murdering  bravoes, 

That  wish  to  divide  us  and  make  us  all  slaves. 
Columbians  sing,  and  make  the  woods  ring, 

We'll  toast  those  brave  heroes  by  sea  and  by  land  ; 
While  Britains  drink  Cherry,  Columbians,  Perry, 

We'll  toast  him  about  with  full  glass  in  hand. 


NAVAL   SONGS.  85 


35    CAPTAIN  JOHN  PAUL  JONES'S  VICTORY 

Over  the  British  frigate  "  Serapis,"  and  "  Countess  of  Scar- 
borough," sloop  of  war,  on  the  23d  of  September,  1779. 

An  American  frigate — a  frigate  of  fame, 
With  guns  mounted  forty,  "  Good  man  Richard"  by- 
name, 
Sail'd  to  cruise  in  the  channel  of  "merrie  England;" 
With  a  valiant  commander ;  Paul  Jones  was  the  man. 

He  had  not  cruised  long  before  he  espies 

A  large  forty-four,  and  a  twenty  likewise  ; 

Well  mann'd  with  bold   seamen,  well  laid  in  with 

stores, 
In  consort  to  drive  us  from  old  England's  shores. 

About  twelve  at  noon,  Pearson  came  alongside. 
With  a  loud  speaking-trumpet,  "  Whence  came  you  ?" 

he  cried ; 
"  Return  me  an  answer ! — I  hail'd  you  before — 
Or  if  you  do  not,  a  broadside  I  will  pour." 

Paul  Jones  then  said  to  his  men,  every  one, 
"  Let  every  true  seaman  stand  firm  to  his  gun ; 
We'll  receive  a  broadside  from  this  bold  Englishman, 
And,  like  true  Yankee  sailors,  return  it  again." 

The  contest  was  bloody,  both  decks  ran  with  gore, 
And  the  sea  seem'd  to  blaze,  while  the  cannon  did  roar; 
"Fight  on,  my  brave  boys,"  Paul  Jones  then  he  cried, 
"  And  soon  we  will  humble  this  Englishman's  pride. 

"  Stand  firm  to  your  quarters — your  duty  don't  shun; 
The  first  one  that  shrinks,  through  the  body  I'll  run. 
8 


86  NAVAL    SONG: 

Though  their  force  is  superior,  yet  soon  they  shall 

know 
"What  true  brave  American  seamen  can  do." 

We  fought  them  eight  glasses,  eight  glasses  so  hot, 
Till  seventy  bold  seamen  lay  dead  on  the  spot ; 
And  ninety  brave  seamen  lay  stretch'd  in  their  gore, 
While  the  pieces  of  cannon  most  fiercely  did  roar. 

Our  gunner  in  a  great  fright  to  Captain  Jones  came — 
"  We  gain  water  quite  fast,  and  our  side's  in  a  flame;" 
Then  Paul  Jones  he  said,  in  the  height  of  his  pride, 
"If  we  cannot  do  better,  boys,  sink  alongside." 
The  Alliance  bore  down,  while  the  Richard  did  rake, 
Which  caused  the  bold  heart  of  poor  Pearson  to  ache. 
Our  shot  flew  so  hot,  they  could  not  stand  us  long, 
And  the  undaunted  union  of  Britain  came  down. 
To  us  they  did  strike,  and  their  colours  haul  down: 
The  fame  of  Paul  Jones  to  the  world  shall  be  known; 
His  name  shall  be  rank'd  with  the  gallant  and  brave, 
Who  fought  like  a  hero  our  freedom  to  save. 
Now,  all  valiant  seamen,  where'er  you  may  be, 
Who  hear  of  this  combat  fought  on  the  broad  sea, 
May  you  all  do  like  them  when  call'd  to  the  same, 
And  your  names  be  enroll'd  on  the  pages  of  fame. 
Your  country  will  boast  of  her  sons  that  are  brave, 
And  to  you  she  will  look  her  from  danger  to  save ; 
She'll  call  you  dear  sons — in  her  annals  you'll  shine, 
And  the  brows  of  the  brave  shall  green  laurels  entwine. 
So  now,  my  brave  boys,  have  we  taken  a  prize — 
A  large  forty-four,  and  a  twenty  likewise. 
Then  God  bless  the  mother  whose  doom  is  to  weep 
The  loss  of  her  sons  in  the  ocean  so  deep. 


NAVAL  SONGS.  87 

36  THE  SHIP. 

Cheer  up,  my  gallant  band  ! 
Fare  thee  well,  dear  native  land, 

Our  pendant  waves,  the  anchor  is  a-trip; 
For  free  trade  and  sailors'  rights, 
The  Columbian  seaman  fights, 

And  his  watchword — Don't  surrender  the  ship,  &c. 

Wide  rolls  the  mountain-wave, 
But  it  frightens  not  the  brave, 

With  joyous  hearts  the  cables  we  will  slip ; 
When  the  boasting  foe  appears, 
Each  brave  tar  his  comrade  cheers, 

And  his  watchword — Don't  surrender  the  ship,&c. 

A  sail !  the  boatswain  cries, 

Her  proud  pendant  sweeps  the  skies  ! 

Perhaps  its  waving  honours  we  may  clip — 
Our  brave  captain  draws  his  sword, 
Whilst  we  echo  to  the  word, 

Gallant  lads,  O  ! — Don't  surrender  the  ship,  &c. 
Now  o'er  the  affrighted  deep 
How  the  glowing  bullets  sweep  ! 

We've  got  the  daring  vaunters  on  the  hip ! 
Though  their  colours  nail'd  so  fast, 
Floated  proudly  on  the  mast, 

Yet  full  gladly  they  surrender'd  their  ship,  &c. 

The  free-born  seaman  knows 
How  to  spare  the  fallen  foes, 

And  cheer  their  souls  with  friendship's  noble  grip, 
The  high  prize  for  which  he  fights, 
Is  free  trade  and  sailors'  rights  ; 

And  to  tyrants  ne'er  surrenders  his  ship,  &c. 


88  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Now  to  our  native  shore 

Safe  arrived,  my  lads,  once  more, 

Full  bumpers  raise  to  every  lip  ; 
To  the  memory  of  the  brave 
Who  now  sleep  beneath  the  wave, 

Who  could  die — but  ne'er  surrender  the  ship. 


37  THE  AMERICAN  TAR. 

The  Goddess  of  Freedom,  borne  down  by  oppression, 

In  Europe's  famed  regions  no  longer  found  rest; 
She  wept  at  the  heart-rending,  wide  desolation, 

And  languishing  look'd  for  relief  from  the  west; 
She  heard  that  Columbia  was  rearing  a  temple, 

Where  she  would  be  worshipp'd  in  peace  and  in  war, 
Old  Neptune  confirm'd  it — cried,  "  Here  is  a  sample," 

Presenting  with  pride — an  American  tar. 

Cease  weeping  then,  goddess,  to  thee  I've  consigned 
him, 

He  loves  thee,  and  he  thy  protector  will  be ; 
Believe  me,  a  more  gallant  youth  you  will  find  in  him, 

Than  e'er  bore  your  banners  through  ocean  and  sea ; 
When  his  galley  he  trims — firm,  resolved  for  the  onset, 

Wo,  wo  to  that  foe  who  his  prowess  shall  dare, 
Long  will  his  country  lament  that  he  e'er  met 

And  braved  the  avenging  American  tar. 

He  boasts  not — but  firm  as  the  oak  of  his  forest ; 

Serene  as  a  calm  ;  but  as  fierce  as  a  storm, 
WThen  wild  roars  the  battle,  you'll  see  him  the  foremost, 

When  victor,  the  prostrate  protecting  from  harm ; 


NAVAL    SONGS.  89 

And  I  have  decreed — he's  so  gallant  a  fellow. 

O'er  my  wide  dominion  he  shall  be  a  star, 
To  light  you  in  safety  o'er  every  billow, 

His  name — listen,  nations — American  Tar. 

The  proud,  turban'd  Turk  my  dominions  infested, 

And  piracy  ranged  uncontroll'd  on  the  wave; 
His  courage  the  tar  of  Columbia  tested, 

And  taught  him  that  freemen,  though  peaceful,  are 
brave ; 
The  power  that  affects  the  control  of  the  ocean, 

And  unfurls  her  cross-flag  for  destruction  and  war; 
Who,  vaunting  her  strength,  threw  the  world  in  com- 
motion, 

The  trident  resign'd  to  the  American  Tar. 

For  the  rights  of  his  country  he  fights — not  for  plunder : 

No  longer  injustice  shall  harass  the  deep; 
I  give  my  trident — and  Jove  gives  his  thunder, 

And  well  he  the  sacred  deposits  shall  keep  ; 
Beneath  his  mild  sway,  sailors'  rights  well  protected 

Shall  be,  and  free  trade  shed  its  blessings  afar; 
The  praises  of  nations  shall  greet  the  respected, 

The  daring,  heroic  American  Tai 


38  JONES'S  VICTORY. 

Ye  brave  sons  of  Freedom,  whose  bosoms  beat  high 
For  your  country,  with  patriot  pride  and  emotion, 

Attend  whilst  I  sing  of  a  wonderful  Wasp, 

And  the  Frolic  she  gallantly  took  on  the  ocean. 

This  tight  little  Wasp,  of  the  true  Yankee  stuff, 
From  the  shores  of  Columbia  indignant  paraded; 
8* 


90  NAVAL   SONGS. 

Her  eye  flash'd  with  fire,  and  her  spirit  flamed  high, 
For  her  rights  they  were  basely  by  Britons  invaded. 

Swift  over  the  wave  for  the  combat  she  flew, 

By  a  sting  keen  and  terrible  arm'd  and  defended  ; 

Her  broad  wings  were  white  as  the  rough  ocean-spray, 
And  sixteen  long  arms  from  her  sides  she  extended. 

The  winds  waft  her  gayly — but  soon  on  the  way 
The  foe  of  her  fathers  for  battle  array'd  him ; 

From  his  forehead  were  waving  the  standards  of  Spain, 
But  the  proud  step  and  stare  of  his  nation  betray'd 
him. 

Like  the  fierce  bird  of  Jove,  the  "Wasp  darted  forth, 
And — be  the  tale  told  with  amazement  and  wonder — 

She  hurl'd  on  the  foe,  from  her  flame-spreading  arms, 
The  firebrands  of  death,  and  the  red  bolts  of  thunder ! 

And,  O  !  it  was  glorious  and  strange  to  behold 

What  torrents  of  fire  from  her  red  mouth  she  threw, 

And  how  from  her  broad  wings  and  sulphurous  sides 
Hot  showers  of  grape-shot  and  rifle-balls  flew  ! 

The  foe  bravely  fought,  but  his  arms  were  all  broken, 
And  he  fled  from  his  death-wound,  aghast  and  af- 
frighted : 

But  the  Wasp  darted  forward  her  death-doing  sting, 
And  full  on  his  bosom,  like  lightning,  alighted. 

She  pierced  through  his  entrails,  she  madden'd  his 
brain, 
And  he  writhed  and  he  groan'd  as  if  torn  with  the 
colic; 
And  long  shall  John  Bull  rue  the  terrible  day 
He  met  the  American  Wasp  in  a  Frolic. 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

The  tremors  of  death  now  invaded  his  limbs, 

And  the  streams  of  his  life-blood  his  closing-  eyes 
drown ; 

When,  lo  !  on  the  wave  this  colossus  of  pride, 
The  glory  and  pomp  of  John  Bull,  tumbled  down. 

Now  drink  to  the  navy ;  and  long  may  its  sons, 
Like   the  heroes  of  Rome,  and  of  Carthage,  and 
Greece, 

Midst  the  downfall  of  nations  triumphantly  bear 
The  barque  of  our  country  to  freedom  and  peace. 

And  drink  to  Decatur,  and  Rogers,  and  Hull, 

And  to  every  brave  heart  to  his  country  that's  true ; 

And  never  forget,  whilst  the  glass  circles  round, 
The  fame  of  the  Wasp,  her  commander  and  crew. 


39  HAIL  TO  THE  HEROES. 

Hail  to  the  heroes  from  ocean  returning, 

Welcome  their  offering  at  Liberty's  shrine ; 
Proud,  gallant  warriors,  with  ardour  still  burning, 

For  Columbia  to  conquer — 'tis  her  they  entwine. 
Their  own  native  vales  for  danger  forsaking, 

Still  for  Columbia  bright  laurels  to  gain ; 
Guardians  of  freedom,  to  glory  yet  waking, 

Dauntless  in  deeds — ye  are  guarded  by  Fame ! 
List  to  the  paean  !  now  loudly  it  swells, 
Dear  is  the  land  where  Liberty  dwells  ! 

Yet  are  the  laurels  of  victory  blooming, 
Columbia,  thy  arm  is  destined  to  save  : 


92  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Bright  in  thy  glory,  thy  star  is  illuming 

Shores  where  thy  glory  is  borne  on  each  wave ! 
Hail  to  the  heroes  thy  rights  still  maintaining 

Against  haughty  Albion,  so  proud  on  the  sea; 
(Already  the  star  of  her  glory  is  waning  :) 

Columbia,  they  live,  and  they  conquer  for  thee  ! 
List  to  the  peean  !  now  loudly  it  swells, 
Dear  is  the  land  where  Liberty  dwells ! 


40  THE  HERO  OF  ERIE. 

At  Columbia's  loud  call  my  dear  William  consented, 
And  to  my  fond  arms  bade  a  tender  adieu, 

In  hopes  to  return  with  the  laurels  of  glory, 
And  reap  all  the  fruits  of  affection  so  true ; 

"While  Fortune,  who  laughs  at  the  purpose  of  mortals, 
Had  said  that  I  ne'er  should  behold  him  again ; 

In  the  cold,  silent  grave,  my  sweet  William,  neglected, 
Lies  far  from  his  love,  among  heaps  of  the  slain. 

When  bravely  he  fell,  in  the  front  of  the  battle, 
Contending  with  Britons  by  Erie's  dark  wave, 

0  !  had  I  been  there  to  expire  with  my  lover, 
Nor  lived  thus  a  victim  to  wo  for  the  brave. 

Yet  cease,  my  poor,  widowed  heart,  from  thy  sorrow, 
A  few  years,  at  most,  shall  thy  William  restore  ; 

In  the  pure  land  of  heroes  with  transport  I'll  join  him, 
Where  war  and  where  death  shall  divide  us  no  more. 


NAVAL  SONGS.  93 


41      CAPTAIN  DAVID  PORTER. 

When  Grecian  bands  lent  Persia's  legions  aid, 
On  Asia's  shores  their  banners  wide  display'd, 
Though  Heaven  denied  success,  their  leader's  name 
Has  still  rank'd  foremost  in  the  rolls  of  fame  ; 
Hence  the  "Retreat,"  the  theme  of  every  tongue, 
Through  every  age  and  clime  incessant  rung ; 
With  Xenophon  the  bard  adorn'd  his  lays, 
And  gave  the  mighty  chief  immortal  praise : 
With  him  the  historian  graced  his  proudest  page, 
And  bade  his  glories  live  through  every  age. — 
Thus  thine,  O  Porter,  shall,  in  lays  sublime 
Of  future  poets,  live  through  endless  time. 
Thy  noble  daring,  though  with  adverse  fate, 
The  rich  historic  page  shall  long  relate, 
And  the  glad  voice  of  freemen's  loud  acclaim, 
Teach  lisping  infancy  thy  honnur'd  name. 

0  may,  great  chieftain,  that  almighty  Power, 
Whose  shield  was  o'er  thee  in  the  battle  hour 
When  round  thee  fell  thy  brave,  heroic  band, 
Still  guard  thee  safely  with  protecting  hand, 
In  future  conflicts  ! — and  in  health  restore 
Thee  to  thy  friends,  and  happy  native  shore. 


42  NATIONAL  SONG. 

Ye  tars  of  Columbia,  whose  glory  imparts 

New  charms  to  the  blessings  your  valour  secures, 

0  !  high  be  your  hopes,  and  undaunted  your  hearts, 
For  the  wishes  and  prayers  of  a  nation  are  yours. 


94 


NAVAL    SONGS. 


For  your  deeds  on  our  foes, 
The  smile  of  joy  glows. 
And  the  wine-cup  of  pleasure  in  bumpers  o'erflows  : 
For  the  loud  trump  of  triumph  swells  high  with  your 

fame, 
And  the  deeds  of  your  might  have  ennobled  our  name. 

The  tyrant  of  ocean,  the  giant  of  war, 

Whose  crimson-tinged  sceptre  spread  wide  o'er  the 
wave : 
Whose  mandate  spake  laws  to  the  nations  afar — 
Whose  will  gave  to  commerce  her  mart  or  her  grave. 
Joy  !  joy  to  the  world  ! 
From  its  awful  height  hurl'd, 
No  more  shall  his  banner  be  proudly  unfurl'd; 
The  sceptre  of  Albion  shall  tremble  and  fall, 
And  the  highway  of  nations  be  open  to  all. 

0,  God  of  our  fathers  !  the  spirit  that  glow'd 

In  the  breasts  of  our  heroes  for  freedom  who  died, 
When  the  might  of  thy  arm  on  our  eagle  bestow'd, 
Tamed  the  lion  of  Britain,  array'd  in  his  pride, 
Again,  on  the  main, 
Where  his  pride,  wont  to  reign, 
Tells  the  lord  of  the  ocean  his  boasting  is  vain, 
That  Neptune's  wide  realms  must  be  free  to  the  brave, 
As  the  swift  breeze  of  evening  that  ruffles  his  wave. 

The  deeds  of  our  heroes,  with  grateful  emotion, 

Long,  long  shall  the  nations  delight  to  proclaim ; 
Whose  valour  has  tamed  the  proud  tyrant  of  ocean, 
And  spoil'd  of  its  glory  the  boast  of  his  name. 
Proud  Albion  shall  cower 
When  our  battle  ships  lower, 
That  wither'd  the  uplifted  arm  of  his  power — 


NAVAL    SONGS.  95 

That  bade  the  proud  boast  of  his  sovereign  sway  cease, 
And  quell'd  his  "omnipotent  thunder"  to  peace. 

Now  joy  to  the  hero  in  battle  who  bleeds : 

Now  peace  to  the  hero  in  battle  who  bled  : 
Old  Time  shall  delight  to  embalm  his  high  deeds, 
And  Glory's  bright  halo  encircle  his  head. 
Earth's  sordid  son  dies, 
And  no  aching  heart  sighs — 
Unlamented  he  falls,  unregarded  he  lies ! 
But  the  hero's  last  pang  shall  by  angels  be  blest, 
And  the  tears  of  a  nation  shall  hallow  his  rest. 

Weep,  daughter  of  Beauty !  remembrance  of  worth 

Long,  long  shall  awaken  your  patriot  woes, 
When  your  pensive  steps  rest  on  the  canonized  earth 
Where  Lawrence,  and  Ludlow,  and  Burrows  re- 
pose ! 
But,  0  !  from  the  tomb, 
Where  their  laurel  trees  bloom, 
A  bright  ray  of  glory  disperses  our  gloom — 
On  the  swords  of  our  heroes  its  radiance  shall  dwell, 
Whose  hearts  are  the  shrines  of  their  'brothers  who 
fell! 

Columbia!  though  now  in  thy  battle's  fierce  fires, 

The  sword  of  thy  Lawrence  no  longer  shall  flame  : 
Raise  high  the  glad  voice  to  the  God  of  our  sires, 
That  heroes  still  live  who  have  rivall'd  his  fame. 
Let  Triumph's  loud  songs 
Now  employ  our  glad  tongues, 
In  the  praise  to  Hull  and  Decatur  belongs : 


96  NAVAL    SONGS. 

And  shouts  for  our  Jones  and  our  Bainbridge  be  given, 
Till  they  ring  through  the  air  like  the  thunders  of 
Heaven. 

Ye  tars  of  Columbia!  whose  glory  imparts 

New  charms  to  the  blessings  your  valour  secures — 
0  !  high  be  your  hopes,  and  undaunted  your  hearts, 
For  the  wishes  and  prayers  of  a  nation  are  yours. 
Where  the  flag  of  the  foe 
O'er  the  ocean  shall  flow, 
Your  prowess  shall  still  lay  his  haughty  pride  low, 
Till  Neptune's  wide  realms  shall  be  free  to  the  brave, 
As  the  swift  breeze  of  evening  that  ruffles  his  wave. 


43       ACHIEVEMENTS  OF  OUR  NAVAL 
HEROES. 

But  who  can  paint  the  bright,  effulgent  flame, 

Which  shines,  eternal,  round  our  naval  name? 

Who  can  describe  our  honour'd,  gallant  tars, 

The  dauntless  heroes  of  our  marine  wars? 

No  bard  of  earth,  unless  Apollo's  fire 

Has  kindled  halos  round  his  veteran  lyre, 

Can  mark  the  prowess  of  our  infant  fleets — 

Unknown  to  terror — strangers  to  defeats. 

See  conquering  Hull  his  flag  in  triumph  wave, 

The  sea  his  field  of  glory,  or  his  grave ! 

See  brave  Decatur  bare  his  dauntless  arm, 

And  still  the  fury  of  the  raging  storm ! 

See  Britain's  boasted  lion  fall,  and  die, 

And  Bainbridge  wave  his  trophied  flag  on  high! 


NAVAL   SONGS.  97 

See  Jones  in  thunder  seize  the  high  command, 

Old  Neptune's  trident  grasping  in  his  hand  ! 

While  all  mankind  with  wondering  eyes  behold 

The  "  infant  navy"  mount  above  the  old  ! 

The  lawless  savage  of  the  western  wood 

Has  view'd  his  inland  ocean  dyed  with  blood  ; 

The  warrior's  shout,  the  thundering  cannon's  roar, 

Have  broke  the  solemn  silence  of  its  shore, 

And  rode  in  triumph  o'er  the  azure  wave, 

Where  bled  the  hero,  and  where  sleep  the  brave ! 

Perry  !  the  waves  of  Erie  proudly  claim 

The  first  effulgence  of  thy  naval  fame : 

And  future  cities,  towering  on  the  shore, 

Shall  claim  their  honour  from  the  deeds  of  yore: 

Our  "children's  children"  glow  with  kindred  fire, 

And,  taught  by  thee,  to  noble  deeds  aspire, 

Till  proud  Columbia's  standard  is  unfurl'd, 

And  waves,  unrivall'd,  by  the  conquered  world. 

M'Donough's  name  and  thine  eternal  live, 

With  all  the  honour  that  this  world  can  give : 

And  when  translated  from  this  busy  stage, 

Be  traced  with  dazzling  flames  on  History's  page. 

But  does  no  mournful,  envious  thought  intrude  ? 
Is  Pleasure's  cup  with  not  a  tear  imbued  1 
Does  mirth  alone  sound  o'er  the  glittering  main, 
And  leave  no  solitary  thought  of  pain  1 
Yes,  gallant  Lawrence !  o'er  thy  honour'd  bier 
Has  dropp'd  the  real  sympathizing  tear : 
A  nation's  gratitude — a  nation's  grief, 
Have  mark'd  the  downfall  of  a  noble  chief! 
A  foe,  too  just  to  press  misfortune  down, 
Has  added  incense  to  thy  mortal  crown — 
9 


98  NAVAL    SONGS. 

A  foe,  too  great  to  trample  on  the  brave. 
Has  bent  in  sorrow  o'er  a  hero's  grave. 
The  flag  he  honour'd  was  his  winding-shroud — 
The  land  that  bless'd  him  was  his  last  abode. 

Long  !  long  Columbia's  weeping  tars  shall  mourn 
The  fall  of  Burrows,  and  revere  his  urn  : 
He  rush'd  to  meet  the  willing  foe,  and  fell ! 
The  cannons'  thunder  was  his  dying  knell; 
And  Death,  in  terror  hovering  o'er  the  scene, 
Destroy'd  his  life  to  make  his  laurels  green : 
While  Victory,  perching  on  his  fleeting  soul, 
Bade  Fame's  loud  blasts  o'er  Ocean's  billows  roll, 
And  sound  his  enterprise  from  pole  to  pole. 


44    FATE  OF  THE  U.  S.  SLOOP  OF  WAR 
L'EPERVIER. 

Before  the  stars  of  liberty 

The  crescent  hid  her  head, 
The  thunders  of  their  victory 

She  heard  afar  with  dread  ; 
And  when  the  foe  she  dared  was  near, 
In  tame  submission  quell'd  her  fear. 

But  where  is  that  brave  bark  that  bore 

The  tidings  of  success? 
She  left  behind  the  failing  shore 

On  ocean  fathomless — 
Joy  bade  the  welcome  breezes  blow, 
And  Rapture  sat  upon  the  prow. 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

The  wheels  of  time  have  ceaseless  roll'd, 

That  mock  the  dreams  of  man, 
Majestic,  as  in  days  of  old, 

When  erst  their  march  began. 
Why  does  that  gallant  bark  yet  stay  1 
Why  stops  she  on  her  gladsome  way  ? 

Days,  weeks,  and  months  have  fled,  to  join 

The  years  beyond  the  flood, 
Nor  mortal  might,  nor  power  divine, 

Can  call  them  where  they  stood. 
That  gallant  bark  has  heard  her  doom — 
She  comes  not — and  she  may  not  come. 

Thou  who  hast  seen,  when,  in  the  hour 

That  tried  the  dauntless  brave  : 
That  mock'd  the  boast  of  human  power, 

All  impotent  to  save, 
The  sailor  cast  a  hopeless  eye, 
To  threatening  waves  and  frowning  sky. 

The  ties  of  friendship — nature — love — 

All,  all  have  own'd  thy  might : 
They  cried  aloud,  but  could  not  move, 

And  sunk  in  one  dark  night. 
Despair  around  her  mantle  flung : 
Their  dirge,  the  storms  that  whelm'd  them  sung. 

For  them,  no  dear  and  honour'd  hand 

Shall  close  the  failing  ball, 
When  gathering  round,  the  gloomy  band 

Of  death,  the  soul  appal : 
Nor  earth,  by  Christian  footsteps  hallow'd, 
Receive  the  corse  the  deep  has  swallow'd. 


100  NAVAL    SONGS 

In  caves,  dark,  desolate,  and  drear, 

The  gallant  and  the  gay, 
The  forms  so  loved  and  cherish'd  here, 

Are  ravening  monsters'  prey. 
Each  bond  of  love  and  sorrow  burst, 
Yes,  tyrant,  thou  hast  done  thy  worst ! 

Yet,  is  thy  power  almighty,  then, 

Omnipotent  on  earth  ? 
Destroyer  of  the  sons  of  men, 

Of  beauty  and  of  worth  ! 
And  shall  Oblivion's  sable  cloud, 
That  hid  their  fate,  their  memory  shroud  1 

0,  no !  the  gem  that  in  the  beds 
Where  slumber  all  the  brave, 

In  vain  its  mellow  lustre  sheds 
Upon  the  envious  wave: 

Transplanted  to  a  royal  shrine, 

With  brighter  lustre  ne'er  shall  shine. 

Brave  bird !  thy  wings  have  fail'd  to  soar, 
Thine  eyes  were  closed  for  e'er, 

The  shades  of  death  came  blackening  o'er, 
And  horror  brooded  near  : 

But  she,  whose  pinions  never  tire, 

Shall  bear  thee  on  her  winsrs  of  fire! 


45  THE  SAILOR'S  LIFE  AT  SEA. 

When  the  anchor's  weigh'd  and  the  ship's  unmoor'd. 

And  landsmen  lag  behind,  sir, 
The  sailor  joyfully  skips  on  board, 

And,  swearing,  prays  for  wind,  sir: 


NAVAL   SONGS.  101 

Towing  here, 

Yeoing  there, 

Steadily,  readily, 

Cheerily,  merrily, 
Still  from  care  and  thinking  free 
Is  a  sailor's  life  at  sea. 

When  we  sail  with  a  freshening  breeze, 

And  landsmen  all  grow  sick,  sir, 
The  sailor  lolls  with  his  mind  at  ease, 

And  the  song  and  the  can  go  quick,  sir — 
Laughing  here, 
Quaffing  there, 
Steadily,  &c. 

When  the  wind  at  night  whistles  o'er  the  deep, 
And  sings  to  landsmen  dreary,  , 

The  sailor  fearless  goes  to  sleep, 

Or  takes  his  watch  most  cheery. 
Boozing  here, 
Snoozing  there, 
Steadily,  &c. 

When  the  sky  grows  black  and  the  wind  blows  hard, 

And  landsmen  skulk  below,  sir, 
Jack  mounts  up  to  the  topsail  yard, 
And  turns  his  quid  as  he  goes,  sir. 
Hauling  here, 
Bawling  there, 
Steadily,  &c. 

When  the  foaming  waves  run  mountains  high, 
And  landsmen  cry,  "  All's  gone  !  sir  :" 

The  sailor  hangs, 'twixt  sea  and  sky, 
And  jokes  with  Davy  Jones,  sir. 
9* 


102  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Dashing  here, 
Splashing  there, 
Steadily,  &c. 

When  the  ship,  d'ye  see,  becomes  a  wreck 

And  landsmen  hoist  the  boat,  sir, 
The  sailor  scorns  to  quit  the  deck, 

While  a  single  plank's  afloat,  sir — 

Swearing  here, 

Tearing  there, 

Steadily,  readily, 

Cheerily,  merrily, 
Still  from  care  and  thinking  free, 
Is  a  sailor's  life  at  sea. 


46  THE  LIEUTENANT'S  COMPLAINT.— 1815. 

As,  pensive,  this  night  on  my  sea-chest  I  lay, 
Which  serves  me  for  bed,  chair,  and  table : 

I  mourn'd  the  sad  hour  I  was  placed  on  half-pay, 
Without  tow-line,  or  anchor,  or  cable. 

My  money  is  gone,  and  my  credit  not  good  ; 

My  heart  swells  with  anguish  and  sorrow : 
No  messmate  is  near  to  supply  me  with  food, 

And  honour  forbids  me  to  borrow. 

Now  I  think  on  the  time  when,  all  snugly  aboard, 
In  the  ward-room  assembled  together, 

With  plenty  of  wine  and  a  table  well  stored, 
We  laugh'd  at  dull  care  and  foul  weather. 


NAVAL   SONGS.  103 

Round,  round  went  the  song,  and  the  jest,  and  the 
glance, 

While  we  drank  good  success  to  the  Ocean ; 
And  secretly  toasted  a  favourite  lass, 

Or  talk'd  about  future  promotion. 

Then  happiness  smiled — I'd  a  plentiful  purse, 
And  slept  sweetly  when  laid  on  my  pillow : 

My  cradle  the  ship,  and  the  sea-boy  my  nurse, 
While  rock'd  on  old  Neptune's  proud  billow. 

And  when,  safe  in  port,  with  my  much-adored  maid, 

Who  look'd  like  a  goddess  or  fairy, 
How  blest  was  my  heart  as  we  joyously  stray'd, 

And  I  breathed  forth  my  love  to  my  Mary. 

How  changed  is  my  fate!     All  my  messmates  are 
gone, 

And  perhaps  are,  like  me,  doom'd  to  perish : 
By  my  Mary — 0,  horror  ! — now  treated  with  scorn, 

Though  she  vow'd  long  to  love  and  to  cherish. 

Now  I  grasp  my  last  cup — hard,  hard  is  my  lot, 
And  my  mind  like  the  billows  of  Biscay  : 

You  may  think  it  is  poison — indeed,  it  is  not, 
But  a  special  good  jorum  of  whisky ! 


47  PARODY  OF  AN  OFFICIAL  LETTER  FROM 
SIR  PETER  PARKER. 

In  the  year  1776,  an  attack  was  made  on  Sullivan's 
Island,  in  the  harbour  of  Charleston,  by  the  land  and  naval 
force  of  Great  Britain,  under  the  command  of  Sir  Henry 
Clinton  and  Sir  Peter  Parker.  After  much  time  and  labour 
in  lightening  the  heavy  ships,  they  anchored  opposite  fort 


104  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Moultrie,  and  commenced  a  tremendous  cannonade.  Gene- 
ral Clinton  had  landed  his  troops  to  the  eastward  of  the  har- 
bour, with  the  intention  of  fording  the  channel,  and  attack- 
ing the  fort  in  the  rear,  while  the  ships  attacked  it  in  front ; 
but  from  some  mistake  or  want  of  knowledge  of  the  depth 
of  water  in  the  channel,  he  was  unable  or  unwilling  to 
attempt  any  thing.  In  the  mean  time  the  fort,  by  a  regular 
and  well-directed  fire,  nearly  demolished  the  British  fleet, 
and  Sir  Peter  was  fain  to  escape  with  the  loss  of  half  his 
men  killed  and  wounded ;  among  the  latter  himself,  the  seat 
of  his  breeches  having  been  shot  away. — The  following  hu- 
morous paraphrase  of  his  official  letter  to  the  Lords  of  the 
Admiralty,  was  written  by  one  of  the  wits  of  those  days. 

My  lords,  with  your  leave, 

An  account  I  will  give, 
Which  deserves  to  be  written  in  metre ; 

How  the  rebels,  and  I 

Have  been  pretty  nigh, 
Faith,  'twas  almost  too  nigh  for  Sir  Peter ! 

De'il  take  'em!  their  shot 

Came  so  swift  and  so  hot, 
And  the  cowardly  dogs  stood  so  stiff,  sirs, 

That  I  put  ship  about 

And  was  glad  to  get  out, 
Or  they  would  not  have  left  me  a  skiff,  sirs. 

With  much  labour  and  toil 

Unto  Sullivan's  Isle 
I  came,  swift  as  Falstaff,  or  Pistol ; 

But  the  Yankees,  od  rat  'em — 

I  could  not  get  at  'em, 
They  so  terribly  maul'd  my  poor  Bristol. 

Behold,  Clinton,  by  land, 
Did  quietly  stand, 
While  I  made  a  thundering  clatter; 


NAVAL    SONGS.  105 

But  the  chanaal  was  deep, 
So  he  only  eould  peep, 
And  not  venture  over  the  water. 

Now,  bold  as  a  Turk, 

I  proceeded  to  York, 
Where,  with  Clinton  and  Howe,  you  may  find  me 

I've  the  wind  in  my  tail, 

And  am  hoisting  my  sail, 
To  leave  Sullivan's  Island  behind  me 

But,  my  lords,  do  not  fear, 

For,  before  the  next  year, 
Although  a  small  island  should  fret  us, 

The  continent,  whole, 

We  will  take,  by  my  soul, 
If  the  cowardly  Yankees  will  let  us. 


48  THE  VETERAN  TAR. 

Tune— "The  Old  Commodore." 

Split  my  seams !  'tis  no  time  for  a  seaman  to  shy, 

And  to  stand  shilly-shally  on  shore ; 
Let  a  shark  seize  his  hulk  who  would  go  to  deny 
His  support  to  the  old  commodore ! 
Gallant  old  commodore, 
Tough  old  commodore, 
Hardy  old  commodore,  he — 
Let  a  shark  seize  his  hulk  who  would  go  to  deny 
His  support  to  the  old  commodore ! 

When  War  blew  a  gale,  and  his  thunder's  alarm 
Bade  the  top-lights  of  Hope  shine  no  more ; 


106  NAVAL    SONGS. 


Would  you  know  who  contended,  my  lads,  with  the 
storm  ? 
Do  you  see,  'twas  the  old  commodore! 
Gallant  old  commodore, 
Tough  old  commodore, 
Hardy  old  commodore,  he — 
Would  you  know  who  contended,  my  lads,  with  the 
storm  1 
Do  you  see,  'twas  the  old  commodore. 

Douse  my  glim  !  hardy  tars,  here's  old  Truxtun — a 
berth 
The  hero  shall  have  on  the  shore; 
The  freemen  he  honour'd  shall  honour  his  worth, 
And  support  still  the  old  commodore. 
Gallant  old  commodore, 
Tough  old  commodore, 
Hardy  old  commodore,  he — 
The  freemen  he  honour'd  shall  honour  his  worth, 
And  support  still  the  old  commodore. 

The  insurgents  he  tickled,  and  then  taught  our  foes 

With  a  vengeance  their  fate  to  deplore: 
He  axes  our  aid — no  insurgents  oppose 
With  a  vengeance  the  old  commodore  ! 
Gallant  old  commodore, 
Tough  old  commodore, 
Hardy  old  commodore,  he — 
He  axes  our  aid — no  insurgents  oppose 

With  a  vengeance  the  old  commodore  ! 
The  main-brace  we'll  splice,  and  our  glasses  we'll  fill, 

Till  the  stingo,  my  boys,  shall  run  o'er; 
Here's  our  navy  and  Truxtun — and  heartily  still 
We'll  support,  lads,  the  old  commodore  ! 


NAVAL   SONGS.  107 

Gallant  old  commodore, 
Tough  old  commodore, 
Hardy  old  commodore,  he — 
Here's  our  navy  and  Truxtun — and  heartily  still 
We'll  support,  lads,  the  old  commodore  ! 


49  NAVAL  ODE. 

BY    JAMES    G.    PERC1VAL. 

Our  walls  are  on  the  sea, 

And  they  ride  along  the  wave, 
Mann'd  with  sailors  bold  and  free, 
And  the  lofty  and  the  brave 
Hoist  their  flag  to  the  sport  of  the  gale : 
With  an  even  march  they  sweep 
O'er  the  bosom  of  the  deep, 
And  their  orders  trimly  keep, 
As  they  sail. 

Though  so  gallantly  we  ride, 

Yet  we  do  not  seek  the  fight; 
We  have  justice  on  our  side, 
And  we  battle  in  our  right, 
For  our  homes,  and  our  altars,  and  sires ; 
Then  we  kindle  in  our  cause, 
And  a  while  a  solemn  pause — 
When  the  cannon's  iron  jaws 
Spout  their  fires. 

We  abhor  the  waste  of  life, 
And  the  massacre  of  war ; 

We  detest  the  brutal  strife 
In  the  van  of  glory's  car ; 


108  NAVAL    SONGS. 

But  we  never  will  shrink  from  the  foe  : 
This,  when  battle's  lightning  runs 
Through  his  horror-speaking  guns, 
And  his  brazen  thunder  stuns, 
He  shall  know. 

We  have  met  them  on  the  deep, 

With  Decatur  and  with  Hull, 
Where  our  fallen  comrades  sleep 

In  their  glory's  proudest  full ; 
For  our  homes,  we  will  meet  them  again  : 
Let  their  boasted  navies  frown, 
As  they  proudly  bear  them  down  ; 
We  will  conquer,  burn,  or  drown, 

On  the  main. 

We,  too,  have  hearts  of  oak, 

And  the  hour  of  strife  may  come 
With  its  hurricane  of  smoke, 

Hissing  ball  and  bursting  bomb, 
And  the  death-shot  may  launch  through  our  crew  ; 
But  our  spirits  feel  no  dread, 
And  we  bear  our  ship  ahead, 
For  we  know  that  Honour's  bed 

Is  our  due. 
Then,  come  on,  ye  gallant  tars  ! 

With  your  matches  in  your  hand, 
And  parade  beneath  our  stars 

With  a  free  and  noble  stand, 

As  you  wait  for  the  moment  of  death  : 

Hark  the  word — the  foe  is  nigh, 

And  at  once  their  war-dogs  fly, 

But  with  bosoms  throbbing  high, 

Yield  your  breath. 


NAVAL   SONGS.  109 

Do  your  duty,  gallant  boys ! 

And  you  homeward  shall  return 
To  partake  your  country's  joys, 

When  the  lights  of  triumph  burn, 
And  the  warm  toast  is  drank  to  the  brave ; 
Then,  when  country  calls  again, 
Be  your  march  along  the  main, 
And  in  glory  spread  her  reign 

O'er  the  wave. 


50  LOSS  OF  THE  HORNET. 

Ye  seamen  and  ye  landsmen  all, 
Ye  mothers  and  widows  too, 

Attend  unto  my  story, 
About  the  Hornet's  crew. 

She  sail'd  from  New  York  harbour, 
Bound  to  the  Spanish  main, 

There  to  protect  our  commerce, 
But  ne'er  returned  again. 

She  convoy'd  many  vessels, 
And  was  the  pirate's  dread ; 

Still  more  than  death  they  hated 
The  Hornet's  boats,  'tis  said. 

For  Norris,  her  commander, 
Would  send  his  gallant  men 

To  scour  the  coast  by  sea  and  land 
And  find  each  pirate's  den. 

Our  merchants  they  protected, 
And  their  little  gain 
10 


110  NAVAL    SONGS. 

They  snatch'd  with  brave  exertion, 
From  the  hands  of  Spain. 

Our  merchants  they  protected, 

And  would  have  brought  them  home, 

But,  ah  !  her  brave  commander, 
For  dismal  was  his  doom. 

On  the  tenth  day  of  September, 

She  offTampico  lay; 
And  many  well  remember 

The  gale  that  blew  that  day. 

She  had  to  slip  her  cables, 

She  had  to  put  to  sea ; 
The  deadly  blast,  it  is  the  last, 

Brother,  I'll  hear  from  thee. 

The  widow's  heart  is  breaking, 
Hope  no  more  can  charm  ; 

The  mother's  breast  is  aching, 
And,  love,  why  her  alarm  I 

She  sees  the  proud  ship  sinking 
Beneath  the  hungry  wave, 

Her  love  death's  cup  is  drinking, 
She  shrieks,  but  cannot  save. 

"  My  Henry  was  on  board  of  her," 
The  weeping  mother  cries, 

"  He  was  my  youngest,  dearest  son, 
The  one  I  did  most  prize. 

"  He  was  too  proud  to  stoop  or  crawl 

To  men  of  low  degree ; 
He  lost  his  fortune  on  the  land, 

And  sought  it  on  the  sea. 


NAVAL   SONGS.  Ill 


"  But  he  is  dead  !  the  gallant  boy, 

And  why  should  I  repine  ? 
There  many  a  mother  lost  a  son 

As  proud  and  fair  as  mine. 

"  And  many  a  youthful,  blooming  bride, 
With  her  infant  at  her  breast, 

Sheds  o'er  the  orphan  child  a  tear, 
And  feels  as  much  distress'd." 

The  Hornet's  lost,  the  good  and  brave 

Are  in  the  ocean  deep  ; 
No  arm  was  nigh  her  crew  to  save, 

She  sunk,  and  thousands  weep. 

In  Congress  now  we  must  repose 

Our  only  hope  to  gain  ; 
A  remedy,  though  small,  for  those 

Who  lost  all  on  the  main. 


51         THE  DYING  AMERICAN  TAR. 

His  couch  was  his  shroud — in  his  hammock  he  died, 

The  shot  of  the  Briton  was  true ; 
He  breathed  not  a  sigh,  but  faintly  he  cried, 

»  Adieu  !  my  brave  shipmates,  adieu ! 

"  Away  to  your  stations !  it  ne'er  must  be  said 

Your  banner  you  furl'd  for  a  foe ; 
Let  those  stars  ever  shine  at  your  mizen-mast  head, 

And  the  pathway  to  victory  show. 

"Remember  the  accents  of  Lawrence  the  brave, 
Ere  his  spirit  had  fled  to  its  rest ; 


112  NAVAL    SONGS. 

1  Don't  give  up  the  ship  !'  let  her  sink  'neath  the  wave, 
And  the  breeze  bear  her  fate  to  the  west. 

"0,  swear  that  your  banner  shall  never  be  furl'd, 
Let  me  hear  the  words,  «  Struck  has  the  foe !' 

And  contented  my  soul  bids  adieu  to  the  world, 
To  its  pleasures,  its  pain,  and  its  wo." 

He  said — and  a  gun  to  the  leeward  was  heard, 
'Twas  the  enemy's  gun  well  he  knew  ; 

He  raised  up  his  head,  and  three  times  he  cheer'd, 
And  expired  as  he  utter'd  "  Adieu  !" 


52        THE  BATTLE  OF  STONINGTON, 

An  attack  upon  the  town  and  a  small  fort  of  two  guns,  on 
the  sea-board  of  Connecticut,  by  the  Ramillie9  seventy-four 
gun  ship,  commanded  by  Sir  Thomas  Hardy  ;  the  Pactolus 
thirty-eight  gun  ship ;  Despatch  brig,  of  twenty-two  guns, 
and  a  razee,  or  bomb-ship. — August,  1814. 

Four  gallant  ships  from  England  came 
Freighted  deep  with  fire  and  flame, 
And  other  things  we  need  not  name, 
To  have  a  dash  at  Stonington. 

Now  safely  moor'd,  their  work  begun ; 
They  thought  to  make  the  Yankees  run, 
And  have  a  mighty  deal  of  fun 

In  stealing  sheep  at  Stonington. 

A  deacon  then  popp'd  up  his  head, 
And  parson  Jones's  sermon  read, 
In  which  the  reverend  doctor  said 

That  they  must  fight  for  Stonington. 


NAVAL   SONGS.  113 

A  townsman  bade  them,  next,  attend 
To  sundry  resolutions  pennM, 
By  which  they  promised  to  defend 

With  sword  and  gun,  old  Stonington. 

The  ships  advancing  different  ways, 
The  Britons  soon  began  to  blaze, 
And  put  the  old  women  in  amaze, 

Who  fear'd  the  loss  of  Stonington. 

The  Yankees  to  their  fort  repair'd, 
And  made  as  though  they  little  cared 
For  all  that  came — though  very  hard 
The  cannon  play'd  on  Stonington. 

The  Ramillies  began  the  attack, 
Despatch  came  forward — bold  and  black, 
And  none  can  tell  what  kept  them  back 
From  setting  fire  to  Stonington. 

The  bombadiers  with  bomb  and  ball, 
Soon  made  a  farmer's  barrack  fall, 
And  did  a  cow-house  sadly  maul 

That  stood  a  mile  from  Stonington. 

They  kill'd  a  goose,  they  kill'd  a  hen, 
Three  hogs  they  wounded  in  a  pen — 
They  dash'd  away — and  pray  what  then  1 
This  was  not  taking  Stonington. 

The  shells  were  thrown,  the  rockets  flew, 
But  not  a  shell  of  all  they  threw, 
Though  every  house  was  full  in  view, 
Could  burn  a  house  at  Stonington. 

To  have  their  turn  they  thought  but  fair — 
The  Yankees  brought  two  guns  to  bear, 
10* 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

And,  sir,  it  would  have  made  you  stare, 

This  smoke  of  smokes  at  Stonington. 
They  bored  Pactolus  through  and  through, 
And  kill'd  and  wounded  of  her  crew 
So  many,  that  she  bade  adieu 

To  the  gallant  boys  of  Stonington. 
The  brig  Despatch  was  hull'd  and  torn — 
So  crippled,  riddled,  so  forlorn, 
No  more  she  cast  an  eye  of  scorn 

On  the  little  fort  at  Stonington. 
The  Ramillies  gave  up  the  affray 
And,  with  her  comrades,  sneak'd  away — 
Such  was  the  valour,  on  that  day, 

Of  British  tars  near  Stonington. 
But  some  assert,  on  certain  grounds, 
(Besides  the  damage  and  the  wounds,) 
It  cost  the  king  ten  thousand  pounds 

To  have  a  dash  at  Stoningfton. 


53     THE    BRIGANTIXE   PRIVATEER,  PRI>'CE 
DE  NEUFCHATEL, 

Ordonneaux,  commander,  which  arrived  at  Boston  some 
time  since,  from  a  cruise  of  three  months,  chiefly  in  the  Eng- 
lish and  Irish  channels,  in  which  she  captured  thirteen  or 
fourteen  valuable  prizes,  to  the  amount,  it  was  said,  of  more 
than  a  million  of  dollars. 

Quid  petis  hie  est. Martial. 

BY  PHILIP  FRENEAf. 

What  is  wealth?  that  men  will  roam, 
Risk  their  all,  and  leave  their  home, 
Face  the  cannon,  beat  the  drum, 
And  their  lives  so  cheaply  sell  ? 


NAVAL   SONGS. 

Let  them  reason  on  the  fact 
Who  would  rather  think  than  act : 
Their  brains  were  not  with  morals  rack'd. 

Who  mann'd  the  Prince  of  Neufchatel. 
Having  play'd  a  lucky  game, 
Homeward,  with  her  treasure,  came 
This  privateer  of  gallant  fame, 

Call'd  the  Prince  of  Neufchatel. 
Are  the  English  cruisers  near? 
Do  they  on  the  coast  appear 
To  molest  this  privateer  1 — 

She  shall  be  defended  well. 
Soon  a  frigate  hove  in  sight : — 
As  the  wind  was  rather  light, 
She,  five  barges,  out  of  spite, 

Sent,  to  attack  with  gun  and  blade. 
On  our  decks  stood  rugged  men, 
Little  more  than  three  times  ten ; 
And  I  tremble  while  my  pen 

Tells  the  havoc  that  was  made. 
Up  they  came,  with  colours  red, 
One  astern,  and  one  ahead : 
Shall  I  tell  you  what  they  said  ? 

"  Yankees  !  strike  the  bunting  rag !" 
Three  were  ranged  on  either  side : 
Then  the  ports  were  open'd  wide, 
And  the  sea  with  blood  was  dyed — 

Ruin  to  the  English  flag ! 
Now  the  angry  cannons  roar, 
Now  they  hurl  the  storm  of  war, 
Now  in  floods  of  human  gore 

Swam  the  Prince  of  Neufchatel ! 


116  NAVAL    SONGS, 

Then  the  captain,  Ordonneaux, 
Seconded  the  seaman's  blow, 
And  the  remnant  of  the  foe 

Own'd  the  brig  "defended  well." 

For  the  million  she  contained 
He  contended,  sword  in  hand, 
Follow'd  by  as  brave  a  band 

Of  tars,  as  ever  trod  a  deck. 
In  these  bloody  barges,  five, 
Scarce  a  man  was  left  alive, 
And  about  the  seas  they  drive ; 

Some  were  sunk,  and  some  a  wreck. 

Every  effort  that  they  made 
With  boarding  pike,  or  carronade, 
Every  effort  was  repaid, 

Scarcely  with  a  parallel ! 
Fortune,  thus,  upon  the  wave, 
Crown'd  the  valour  of  the  brave. 
Little  lost,  and  much  to  save, 

Had  the  Prince  of  Neufchatel. 


54       ON     THE  NAVAL  ATTACK  NEAR 
BALTIMORE.— Sept  1814. 

BY  PHILIP  FRENEAU. 

The  sons  of  old  ocean  advanced  from  the  bay 

To  achieve  an  exploit  of  renown ; 
And  Cochrane  and  Cockburn  commanded  that  day, 
And  meant  to  exhibit  a  tragical  play, 

Call'd  the  plunder  and  burning  of  Baltimore  town. 


NAVAL  SONGS.  117 

The  scenes  to  be  acted  were  not  very  new, 
And  when  they  approach 'd,  with  the  rat-tat-too, 

As  merry  as  times  would  allow, 
We  ran  up  the  colours  to  liberty  true, 
And  gave  them  a  shot  with  a  tow-row-dow. 

By  land  and  by  water  how  many  have  fail'd 

In  attacking  an  enemy's  town, 
But  Britons,  they  tell  us,  have  always  prevail'd 
Wherever  they  march'd  or  wherever  they  sail'd, 

To  honour  his  majesty's  sceptre  and  crown: 
Wherever  they  went  with  the  trumpet  and  drum, 
And  the  dregs  of  the  world,  and  the  dirt  and  the  scum, 

As  soon  as  the  music  begun, 
The  colours  were  struck,  and  surrender'd  the  town 
When  the  summons  was  given  of  down,  down,  down ! 

But  fortune,  so  fickle,  is  turning  her  tide, 

And  safe  is  old  Baltimore  town, 
Though  Cockburn  and  Cochrane,  with  Ross  at  their 

side, 
The  sons  of  Columbia  despised  and  defied, 

And  determined  to  batter  it  down — 
Rebuff'd  and  repulsed  in  disgrace  they  withdrew, 
With  their  down,  down,  down,  and  their  rat-tat-too, 

As  well  as  the  times  would  allow : 
And  the  sight,  we  expect,  will  be  not  very  new 
When  they  meet  us  again  with  our  tow-row-dow. 


118  NAVAL    SONGS. 

55     A  SAILOR'S  ELEGY,  ON  THE  FATE 
OF  THE  WASP. 

O  !  when,  in  some  illustrious  fight, 
Stout  warriors  yield  at  Fate's  rude  call, 

They  fall,  like  shooting  stars  at  night, 
And  brighten  as  they  fall. 

A  thousand  tongues  their  deeds  relate, 
And  with  the  story  never  tire, 

A  country  mourns  their  noble  fate, 
And  ladies  weep,  and  men  admire. 

But  dreary  is  the  fate  of  those 

I  mourn,  in  this  rough  sailor  strain, 

Who  perish'd — how,  no  mortal  knows, 
And  perish'd  all  in  vain. 

Who  in  our  country  cannot  tell 

How  Blakeley  brought  the  red-cross  low, 
And  twice  triumphantly  did  quell 

The  prowess  of  a  valiant  foe  ? 

Who  has  not  heard  of  his  brave  men, 
All  valiant  hearts  of  sterling  gold 

Who  braved  the  lion  in  his  den, 
And  turn'd  his  hot  blood  into  cold  ? 

Who  has  not  wish'd  that  they  were  here, 
Escaped  the  ocean's  perils  rude, 

To  share  our  country's  welcome  cheer, 
And  reap  a  nation's  gratitude  ? 

But  they  will  never  come  again 

To  claim  the  welcome  of  their  home ; 

Affection  looks  for  them  in  vain ; 
Too  surely  they  will  never  come. 


NAVAL  SONGS.  119 

Far  distant  from  their  native  land 
They  perish'd  in  the  yawning  deep, 

Where  there  was  none  to  stretch  a  hand, 
And  none  their  fate  to  weep. 

No  ear  their  dreary-drowning  cry 

Heard  o'er  the  desert  wave ; 
Their  dying  struggle  met  no  eye, 

No  friendly  aid  to  save. 

And  when  they  perish'd  none  can  tell, 

Nor  where  their  bones  are  laid — 
The  spot  Affection  loves  so  well, 

No  mourner's  step  will  tread. 

No  tender  friend  will  ever  go 

To  seek  the  spot  where  they  abide, 

Nor  child,  or  widow,  full  of  wo, 

Tell  how,  and  when,  and  where  they  died. 

Alas !  they  have  no  church-yard  grave, 

No  mound  to  mark  the  spot; 
They  moulder  in  the  deep,  deep  wave, 

Just  where — it  matters  not. 

They  perish'd  far  away  from  home, 
A  few  will  weep  these  sailors  bold, 

For  e'er  the  certain  news  shall  come, 
Our  feelings  will  grow  cold. 

By  slow  degrees  hope  will  expire, 
And  when  the  anxious  feeling's  o'er, 

Stale  Memory  will  quench  her  fire, 
And  sorrow  be  no  more  ! 

Save  where  some  pale  and  widow'd  one, 
By  grief,  or  madness  cross'd, 


120  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Shall  cling  to  one  dear  hope  alone, 
And  hope,  though  hope  were  lost. 

By  fond  imagination  led, 

Or  ideal  visions  driven, 
0  !  she  will  ne'er  believe  him  dead, 

Till  they  do  meet  in  heaven. 


56  WRECK  OF  THE  HORNET, 

United  States  sloop  of  war,  wrecked  off  Tampico,  in  the 
Gulf  of  Mexico,  on  the  10th  of  September,  1829. 

BY    WM.    D.    GALLAGHER. 

The  sun  wTas  low — a  flood  of  light 

Slept  on  the  glittering  ocean — 
And  Night's  dark  robes  were  journeying  up, 

With  slow  and  solemn  motion  : 
And  ever  and  anon  was  heard 
The  sea-mew's  shriek — ill-omen'd  bird  ! 

Down  sunk  the  sun — the  gathering  mist 

Rose  proudly  up  before  it, 
And  stream'd  upon  the  lurid  air, 

A  blood-red  banner  o'er  it : 
Frowning,  and  piled  up  heap  on  heap, 
Dense  clouds  o'erspread  the  mighty  deep ; 
Darker,  and  pitchy  black  they  grew — 
And  roll'd,  and  wheel'd,  and  onward  flew 

Like  marshalling  of  men. 
Then  trembled  timid  souls  with  fear — 
Glisten'd  in  Beauty's  eye  the  tear — 
And  "  fatherland"  was  doubly  dear — 

But  brave  hearts  quail'd  not  then. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  121 

Soon  the  rough  tar's  prophetic  eye 
Saw  many  a  floating  shroud  on  high, 
And  many  a  coffin  drifting  by — 

And  on  the  driving  gale 
Beheld  the  spirits  of  the  deep, 
Above — around — in  fury  sweep — 

And  heard  the  dead's  low  wail, 

And  the  demon's  mutter'd  curse. 
And  on  the  fierce  and  troubled  wind, 
Rode  Death — and,  following  close  behind, 

A  dark  and  sombre  hearse. 
And  soon  the  barque  a  wreck  was  driven, 
Before  the  free,  wild  winds  of  Heaven ! 

Now  shrank  with  fear  each  gallant  heart — 

Bended  was  many  a  knee — 
And  the  last  prayer  was  offer' d  up, 

God  of  the  deep,  to  thee ! 
Mutter'd  the  angry  heavens  still, 

And  murmur'd  still  the  sea — 
And  old  and  sterner  hearts  bow'd  down 

God  of  the  deep,  to  Thee ! 
And  still  the  wreck  was  onward  driven, 

Upon  the  wide,  wild  sea — 
And  Man's  proud  soul  to  Fate  was  given, 

Woman's,  0  God,  to  Thee ! 

Gaped  wide  the  deep — down  plunged  the  wreck- 
Up  rose  a  fearful  yell — 

Death's  wings  flapp'd  o'er  that  sinking  deck — 
A  shudder ! — all  was  still. 

Morn  came.     A  flood  of  light  agen 
Burst  on  the  glittering  waters, 
11 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

Above  the  deep's  stern-hearted  men, 

And  Earth's  fair  sons  and  daughters 
Naught  of  or  life  or  death  was  seen — 
And  who  could  say  that  strife  had  been  ! 


57      COLUMBIA'S  NAVAL  HEROES— 1815. 

Sung  at  the  dinner  given  to  Captain  Biddle,  by  the  citizens 
of  New  York. 

Tune — "Jlnacreon   in  Heaven." 

BY  FRANCIS  ARDEN,  ESQ. 

While  Europe,  displaying  her  fame-claiming  page, 

And  vaunting  the  proofs  of  her  high  elevation, 
Exultingly  shows  us,  just  once  in  an  age, 

Some  patriot-soul'd  chieftain,  the  prop  of  his  nation; 
Columbia  can  boast,  of  her  heroes  a  host, 
The  foremost  at  duty's  and  danger's  proud  post, 
"Who  full  often  have  won  upon  ocean's  rough  wave, 
The  brightest  leaved  laurel  that  e'er  deck'd  the  brave. 

By  Freedom  inspired  and  with  bosoms  of  flame, 

They  hurl'd  on  the  foe  all  the  battle's  dread  thunder, 

Till,  vanquish'd  and  humbled,  he  shook  at  their  name, 

O'erwhelm'd  with  confusion,  with  fear,  and  with 

wonder ; 

No  age  that  has  flown  such  a  band  e'er  has  known, 

Who  made  firmness  and  skill  and  mild  manners  their 

own, 
And  each  trait  of  the  warrior  so  closely  entwined 
With  the  virtues  that  grace  and  ennoble  the  mind. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  123 

Their  kindness  the  hearts  of  their  captives  subdued, 
Who  sunk  'neath  their  arms,  when  the  life-streams 

were  flowing-, 
And  their  conquest-wove  wreaths  not  a  tear  has  be- 

dew'd, 
But  that  which  Humanity  smiles  in  bestowing-; 
The  world  with  one  voice  bids  their  country  rejoice, 
As  with  blushes  it  owns  that  these  sons  of  her  choice 
For  valour  and  feeling  have  gain'd  the  rich  prize, 
And   stand   first  midst  the  first  that  live  under  the 

skies. 

Their  splendid   achievements  shall   long-  string  the 
nerves 

Of  all  who  the  blessings  of  freemen  inherit; 
And  theirs  be  the  honours  such  merit  deserves, 

And  dear  to  each  bosom  their  death-daring  spirit; 
The  poet's  best  strain  shall  their  memories  maintain, 
And  affection  embalm  them  to  Time's  latest  reign, 
While,  roused  by  their  praises,  our  sons  shall  aspire 
To  rival  their  actions  and  glow  with  their  fire. 


58       ODE  ON  OUR  NAVAL  VICTORIES. 

A  century  had  Britain  held 
The  trident  of  the  subject  sea, 

And  all  that  time  no  eye  beheld 
Her  flag  strike  to  an  enemy. 

France  left  her  mistress  of  the  main; 

Van  Tromp  no  longer  swept  the  sea ; 
And  the  proud  crest  of  haughty  Spain 

Bow'd  to  her  great  supremacy. 


124  NAVAL    SOXCS. 

The  far-famed  Hellespont  she  ploughed, 
And  made  the  crescent  wax  more  pale ; 

While  Mussulmen  before  her  bow'd  ; 
Who  scorn'd  the  Christian's  God  to  hail. 

By  east  and  west,  by  north  and  south, 

By  every  sea  and  every  shore, 
Her  mandates  at  the  cannon's  mouth 

Her  wooden  walls  in  triumph  bore. 

Where'er  the  blue  wave  weltering  flow'd, 
Where'er  a  merchant  vessel  sail'd, 

Her  red-cross  flag  in  triumph  rode, 
Her  red  artillery  prevail'd. 

Amid  the  ice  of  Greenland's  seas, 
Amid  the  verdant  southern  isles, 

Where'er  the  frigid  waters  freeze, 
Where'er  the  placid  ocean  smiles, 

Her  navy  bore  her  swelling  fame, 

Afar  and  near,  triumphantly, 
And  Britons  claim'd  the  proudest  name — 

The  sovereigns  of  the  trackless  sea. 

But  there  was  rising  in  the  west 

A  nation  little  known  in  story. 
That  dared  that  empire  to  contest, 

And  cross  her  in  the  path  of  glory ; 

That  scorn'd  to  crouch  beneath  the  feet 
Of  England's  lion  stern  and  brave; 

But  venturous  launch'd  her  little  fleet, 
Her  honour  and  her  rights  to  save. 

Hard  was  the  struggle,  rude  the  shock, 
The  New  World  'gainst  the  stubborn  Old  ! 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

A  dread  encounter ! — rock  to  rock  ; 
The  Yankee,  and  the  Briton  bold. 

O  !  then  was  seen  a  glorious  sight, 
No  eye  that  lives  e'er  saw  before  : 

The  Briton's  sun  went  down  in  night — 
The  Yankee's  rose  to  set  no  more ! 

And  that  proud  flag  which  undisturb'd, 
For  ages,  at  the  mast-head  flew, 

And  the  old  world's  puissance  curb'd, 
Struck  to  the  prowess  of  the  new. 

And,  where  the  red-cross  flag  had  braved 
The  dastard  world  for  ages  past, 

Our  stars  and  stripes  in  triumph  waved 
High  on  the  proud  top-gallant  mast. 

And  there  wave  they  by  day  and  night, 
While  sparkle  Heaven's  eternal  fires, 

Emblems  of  that  resistless  might 
Which  daring  Liberty  inspires, 


59        THE  WASP  AND  FROLIC— 1813. 

Fresh  blows  the  gale — o'er  Ocean's  azure  realm, 
"In  goodly  trim,  the  gallant  vessel  glides  :" 

Heroic  Jones,  presiding,  takes  the  helm  ; 
His  country's  honour  is  the  star  that  guides ! 

A  band  of  heroes  all  his  dangers  share : 

Who,  when  their  country  calls  them  to  provoke 

The  dread,  the  unequal  contest,  nobly  dare 
The  red  artillery  of  the  British  oak. 
11* 


126  NAVAL    SONGS. 

At  length,  impell'd  by  favouring  gales  along, 
Majestic  now  she  ploughs  the  briny  deeps, 

The  dread  avenger  of  our  country's  wrong, 

While,  undisturb'd,  the  treasured  vengeance  sleeps 

Dim  in  the  horizon,  Albion's  hostile  star, 

In  silent  grandeur,  rises  on  the  sight : 
Terrific  omen  !  honour'd  wide  and  far : 

The  harbinger  of  death,  and  pale  affright. 

Near  and  more  near  the  bloody  contest  draws  ; 

Frowning  they  meet,  and  awfully  serene  : 
And,  ere  the  strife  begins,  in  solemn  pause, 

They  stand  and  watch  the  narrow  space  between. 

It  was  an  hour  to  none  but  heroes  dear, 
When  vulgar  mortals  tremble  and  despair  : 

When  all  the  patriot  has  to  hope,  or  fear, 
Seems  but  suspended  by  a  single  hair. 

At  such  an  hour,  what  hostile  passions  meet! 

What  wild  emotions  enter  and  depart! 
What  hopes  of  glory — fears  of  foul  defeat! 

All  throng,  tumultuous,  through  the  stoutest  heart ! 

But  mark  !  around  what  sudden  glooms  infest, 
As  if  the  clouds  that  sail'd  the  realms  of  air 

At  once  had  settled  on  the  ocean's  breast, 
And  fix'd  the  region  of  contention  there. 

Unusual  darkness  on  the  surface  lies ; 

A  night  of  horror  veils  the  combat  o'er, 
Disturb'd  by  victor-shouts  and  dying  cries — 

By  lightning  flashes,  and  the  thunder'9  roar. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  127 

Now  light  returns  :  but  what  dismay  and  rout ! 

How  cold  the  cheek  where  hope  was  so  elate  ! 
And  the  pale  lip  still  quivers  with  the  shout 

Of  joy  and  triumph  in  the  hour  of  fate. 

Short  was  the  contest — 0  !  in  pity,  spare  ! 

Ye  sights  unholy,  vanish  from  my  ken : 
For  supplicating  Mercy's  cries,  Forbear  ! 

Nor  taunt  with  victory  these  dying  men. 

But  welcome,  heroes  !  to  your  native  land  ; 

Safe  from  the  arduous  perils  of  the  fight ; 
And  welcome,  gallant  leader  of  the  band  ! 

Who  blushes  when  he  finds  his  fame  so  bright. 

And  welcome,  Booth  and  Rodgers  !  welcome,  Knight ! 

And  Rapp  ! — such  noble  souls  will  ne'er  refuse 
This  poor  requital,  and  with  rudeness  slight 

The  humble  offering  of  no  venal  Muse. 

Nor,  Claxton,  shall  thy  worth  unsung  remain : 

Thy  early  day  betokens  promise  fair ; 
For  glory  hover'd  round  the  brows  of  pain, 

And  mark'd,  unseen,  the  future  hero  there. 

Nor  shall  thy  merits,  Biddle,  pass  untold, 

When,  cover'd  with  the  cannon's  flaming  breath, 

Onward  he  press'd,  unconquerably  bold  ; 

He  fear'd  dishonour,  but  he  spurn'd  at  death. 

He  moved  the  foremost  of  the  gallant  band, 
Undaunted  by  the  roar  of  hostile  arms; 

And  led  reluctant  Victory  by  the  hand, 

Confused  and  blushing,  in  her  blaze  of  charms. 


128  NAVAL    SONGS. 


Then  welcome,  heroes !  for  your  glory  lives ; 

Nor  shall  malignant  envy  dare  assail : 
Receive  the  laurel  which  your  country  gives, 

And  share  her  triumphs  while  she  tells  the  tale. 


60  PROPHECY, 

Inscribed  to  Commodore  John  Rodgers. — 1S13. 

Intrepid  veteran  of  the  wave, 

Rodgers  ! — whose  fame  could  terror  bring 
To  them — the  boldest  of  the  brave, 

The  chosen  of  their  island-king. 

Veteran!  ere  time's  imperious  sway 
Has  brought  the  high  meridian  hour, 

Or  changed  one  jetty  lock  to  gray, 

Or  touch'd  thee  with  its  wizard  power — 

Attend  !  for  thou  art  Glory's  son, 
Born  mid  the  battle's  blaze  to  shine, 

And  known,  when  danger's  deed  is  done, 
To  make  the  mildest  mercies  thine. 

Hear  what  the  poet-prophet  knows  : — 
Triumph  is  thine  ;  and,  added  fame, 

Even  ere  the  annual  summer  glows, 
The  deadly  contest  meets  thy  claim. 

The  green  Atlantic  felt  thy  sway. 

As  erst  from  dawn  to  fading  light 
Thy  hero-helm's  impetuous  way 

Pursued  the  foe's  elusive  flight. 


NAVAL    SONGS. 


129 


That  green  Atlantic  is  thy  field  : 

There,  though  redoubling  hosts  assail, 

The  ocean's  lord  to  thee  shall  yield, 
And  thee,  humane  in  victory,  hail. 


61     TO  THE  MEMORY  OF  THE  GALLANT 
CAPTAIN  JAMES  LAWRENCE.— 1813. 

Ah!  who  would  loiter  on  life's  utmost  verge, 
A  weary  wight;  a  melancholy  blank  ; 

Still  gaze  with  dubious  horror  on  the  surge, 
And  shrink  and  tremble  on  the  joyless  bank  ! 

See  yonder  sad  and  solitary  thing ! 

Of  vermil  youth  and  beauty  what  remains  1 
Lost  is  the  memory — lost  the  elastic  spring  ; 

The  flush  of  life,  the  frolic  of  the  veins  ! 

Though  gorgeous  spring  his  vision  strives  to  greet, 
And  flings  her  rainbow  lustres  round  his  head, 

Bathes  all  his  senses  in  Arabian  sweet, 

He  looks  and  wonders  where  these  charms  have  fled. 

Such  was  not  Lawrence. — His  heroic  frame  .. 

With  nobler  fate  indulgent  Heaven  had  bless'd  ; 
In  the  meridian  of  his  life  and  fame, 

He  rush'd  in  splendour  to  the  land  of  rest. 

Heroic  glory !  though  thy  light  illumes 
With  beams  so  lovely,  'tis  a  hasty  glare : 

Thy  flame  burns  bright  and  sparkling,  but  consumes 
The  life  it  renders  so  divinely  fair. 


130  NAVAL    SONGS. 


The  soft  and  gentle  courtesies  of  life, 

All  whisper'd,  Lawrence,  to  prolong  thy  day ; 

The  tender  friend,  the  fond  and  loving  wife, 
Allured  thee  from  the  fields  of  war  away. 

Why  should  the  hero  bear  the  cruel  brunt, 
Expose  a  life  to  love  and  friendship  dear? 

Why  should  he  combat  danger's  scowling  front, 
To  reap  the  barren  glory  of  a  tear ! 

Sternly  inflexible  he  still  remains; 

He  scorns  the  olive  round  his  brows  to  twine; 
With  noble  pride  he  bursts  such  gentle  chains, 

And  cries,  "  My  country !  I  am  wholly  thine  !" 

Before  him,  full,  his  country's  genius  stands, 
Her  downcast  eyes  betokening  deep  concern ; 

And  mournfully  she  proffers  to  his  hands, 
The  star  of  glory  and  the  silent  urn. 

And  while  on  each  the  astonish'd  hero  gazed, 
Anxious  to  grasp  the  proffered  prize,  so  fair : 

Lo  !  on  the  urn  the  star  of  glory  blazed, 

And  all  its  wandering  radiance  gather'd  there. 

"I  come  !  I  come!"  he  cried  with  ravish'd  breath 
"  Welcome  to  me  the  slumber  dark  and  deep ; 

Let  but  such  glory  twinkle  round  my  death, 
I  still  shall  triumph  in  the  hour  of  sleep." 

Yes,  noble  soul !  thy  glory  is  secure  : 
For  now,  surviving  thy  unhappy  date, 

It  burns  and  sparkles  with  a  blaze  more  pure, 
Removed  beyond  the  hostile  reach  of  fate. 

Thy  worth  full  well  thy  gallant  foemen  knew ; 
Hush'd  was  the  shout  of  joy,  to  honour  just; 


NAVAL    SONGS.  131 

They  paused,  and  as  a  debt  to  valour  due, 
They  shed  the  tear  of  pity  on  thy  dust. 

When  fortune  favour'd  bravery  so  well, 
And  Lawrence  laid  the  pride  of  Britain  low, 

The  orphan,  whose  unhappy  father  fell,* 
Now  found  another  parent  in  the  foe. 

But  say,  what  lips  can  tell,  with  unconcern, 
These  cruel  tidings  to  the  widow'd  fair; 

Who  waits  with  anxious  heart  his  glad  return, 
And  joys  to  greet  him  with  a  cherub  heir. 

Illustrious  mourner  !  hug  the  dear  deceit; 

This  fond  delusion — it  will  soothe  thy  breast. 
0  may  the  pitying  shade  of  Lawrence  greet 

Thy  midnight  slumbers  with  a  dream  so  blest. 

Unhappy  babe  !  thy  mangled  parent  lies 
Far,  far  from  thee,  amidst  a  hostile  race ; 

Inexorable  fate  has  seal'd  his  eyes, 
Ah !  never  to  behold  that  smiling  face. 

Yet,  0  my  country  !  hasten  to  be  just : 
And  since  the  hero's  splendid  course  has  run, 

Repay  the  debt  thou  owest  to  his  dust, 
In  kind  protection  to  his  infant  son. 

Even  Victory,  when  gallant  Lawrence  fell, 
Mourn'd  for  the  hapless  fate  of  one  so  brave ; 

And  when  her  lips  pronounced  the  sad  farewell, 
Reluctant,  dropp'd  a  star  upon  the  grave. f 

*  A  son  of  one  of  the  hands  who  was  slain  on  board  of  the 
Peacock,  was  taken  by  Captain  Lawrence  into  his  own 
family. 

t  Captain  Lawrence  was  buried  in  the  flag  of  the  Chesa- 
peake, which  he  defended  so  bravely. 


132  NAVAL    SONGS. 


Then  learn,  ye  comrades  of  the  illustrious  dead, 
Heroic  faith  and  honour  to  revere; 

For  Lawrence  slumbers  in  his  lowly  bed, 
Embalm'd  by  Albion's  and  Columbia's  tear. 


62  A  PLEASANT  NEW  SONG, 

Chanted  by  Nathan  Whiting,  (through  his  nose.)  for  the 
amusement  of  the  galley  slaves  on  board  the  Phcebe,  who 
are  allo%ved  to  sing  nothing  but  Psalms. 

0  !  Johnny  Bull  is  much  perplex'd, 
And  what  d'ye  think's  the  matter  ? 

Because  the  Yankee  frigates  sail 
Across  the  salt  sea  water. 

For  Johnny  says,  "  The  ocean's  mine, 

And  all  the  sailor  lads,  too ; 
So  pay  us  tax  before  you  trade, 

And  part  of  each  ship's  crew." 

"What!  pay  you  tax!"  says  Jonathan, 

M  For  sailing  on  the  water] 
Give  you  our  lads  of  Yankee  breed  1 

I'd  sooner  give  you  a  halter. 

"Free  trade  and  sailors'  rights,  John  Bull, 

Shall  ever  be  my  toast : 
Let  Johnny  but  this  right  invade, 

And  Johnny  Bull  I'll  roast." 

John  didn't  mind,  but  took  our  ships, 

And  kidnapp'd  our  true  sailors; 
And  Jonathan  resolved  to  play 

The  d 1  among  the  whalers. 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

Away  went  frigates  four  or  five, 

To  cut  up  Johnny's  trade, 
And  long  before  the  year  was  out 

The  squire  grew  sore  afraid. 

Some  found  frigates,  some  found  sloops, 

Belonging  to  John's  navy  ; 
And  some  they  took,  and  some  they  burnt, 

And  some  sent  to  old  Davy. 

The  saucy  Essex,  she  sail'd  out 

To  see  what  she  could  do ; 
Her  captain  is  from  Yankee  land, 

And  so  are  all  her  crew. 

Away  she  sail'd  so  gay  and  trim 

Down  to  the  Gallipagos, 
And  toted  all  the  terrapins, 

And  nabb'd  the  slippery  whalers. 

And  where,  d'ye  guess,  we  next  did  go  1 
Why,  down  to  the  Marquesas; 

And  there  we  buried  under  ground 
Some  thousand  golden  pieces  ; 

Then  sail'd  about  the  ocean  wide, 

Sinking,  burning,  taking, 
Filling  pockets,  spilling  oil, 

While  Johnny's  heart  was  aching. 

At  length  he  muster'd  up  some  spunk, 
And  fitted  out  three  ships,  sir : 

The  Phcebe,  Cherub,  and  Raccoon, 
To  make  the  Yankees  skip,  sir. 

Away  they  scamper'd  round  Cape  Horn, 
Into  the  South  Sea  Ocean, 
12 


134  NAVAL    SONGS. 

To  catch  the  saucy  Yankee  ship 
They  had  a  mighty  notion. 

North,  east,  and  west,  and  likewise  south, 

They  fumbled  all  around  ; 
"  Why,  where  the  d — 1  can  she  be, 

That  she  cannot  be  found  ?" 

At  length  to  Valparaiso  bay 

They  came  in  mighty  funk  ; 
The  Yankee  boys  were  then  on  shore, 

Some  sober,  and  some  drunk. 

Some  rode  horses,  some  rode  mules, 
And  some  were  riding  asses ; 

Some  tippling  grog,  some  swigging  wine, 
Some  dancing  with  the  lasses. 

The  signal  made  all  hands  on  board, 

Each  man  unto  his  station ; 
And  Johnny  he  came  swaggering  by, 

But  met  some  botheration.* 

The  Yankee  lads  all  ready  were, 
With  pistol,  sword  and  gun, 

In  hopes  John  Bull  would  run  on  board 
To  have  a  bit  of  fun  : 

But  John  got  clear  the  best  he  could, 
And  soon  came  to  an  anchor, 

And  hoisted  up  a  printed  flag,j" 
As  big  as  our  spanker. 


*  The  Phoebe  nearly  ran  aboard  of  the  Essex,  by  accident, 
as  Captain  Hillyer  said, 
t  The  flag  bearing  Captain  Hillyer's  long  motto. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  135 

Some  swore  it  was  a  morning  prayer ; 

Some  swore  'twas  Greek  or  German ; 
But  Nathan  Whiting*  spelt  it  out, 

And  said  it  was  a  sermon. 

And  thus  long  time  in  merry  mood, 

All  side  by  side  we  lay, 
Exchanging  messages  and  songs 

In  Valparaiso  bay. 

At  last  John  Bull  quite  sulky  grew, 

And  call'd  us  traitors  all, 
And  swore  he'd  fight  our  gallant  crew, 

Paddies  and  Scots,  and  all. 

Then  out  he  went  in  desperate  rage, 

Swearing,  as  sure  as  day, 
He'd  starve  us  all,  or  dare  us  out 

Of  Valparaiso  bay. 

Then  out  he  sail'd  in  gallant  trim, 

As  if  he  thought  to  fright  us, 
Run  up  his  flag,  and  fired  a  gun, 

To  say  that  he  would  fight  us. 

Our  cables  cut,  we  put  to  sea, 

And  run  down  on  her  quarter ; 
But  Johnny  clapp'd  his  helm  hard  up, 

And  we  went  following  after. 

Says  General  Wynne,  and  Squire  Roach, \ 
And  many  more  beside, 


*  Nathan  was,  we  understand,  a  tall,  long-sided  Yankee, 
and  reckoned  the  best  scholar  of  the  whole  ship's  crew, 
t  Two  sailors  nicknamed  by  the  crew. 


136  NAVAL    SONGS. 

"  We  wish  those  English  boys  had  stay'd, 
We'd  show  them  how  to  ride." 

In  haste  to  join  the  Cherub,  he 

Soon  bent  his  scurvy  way, 
While  we  return'd  in  merry  glee, 

To  Valparaiso  bay. 

And  let  them  go — to  meet  the  foe 
We'll  take  no  further  trouble, 

Since  all  the  world  must  fairly  know 
They'll  only  fight  us — double. 

Ne'er  mind,  my  boys,  let's  drink  and  sing, 
"  Free  trade  and  sailors'  rights  ;" 

May  liquor  never  fail  the  lad 
Who  for  his  country  fights. 

Huzza,  my  lads — let's  drink  and  sing! 

And  toast  them  as  they  run  : 
Here's  to  the  sailors  and  their  king, 

Who'll  fiffht  us — two  to  one. 


63  THE  DEY  OF  ALGIERS. 

Carpe  Diem.— Seize  the  Dey.— Doctor  C . 

The  Dey  of  Algiers,  not  being  afraid  of  his  ears, 

Sent  to  Jonathan  once  for  some  tribute; 
«  Ho  !  ho  !"  says  the  dey,  "  if  the  rascal  don't  pay, 

A  caper  or  two  I'll  exhibit. 

"  I'm  the  Dey  of  Algiers,  with  a  beard  a  yard  long, 
I'm  a  Mussulman,  too,  and  of  course  very  strong: 
For  this  is  my  maxim,  dispute  it  who  can. 
That  a  man  of  stout  muscle's  a  stout  Mussulman. 


NAVAL  SONGS.  137 

"  They  say,"  to  himself  one  day  says  the  dey, 
"I  may  bully  him  now  without  reckoning-  to  pay  ; 
There's  a  kick-up  just  coming1  with  him  and  John  Bui  , 
And  John  will  give  Jonathan  both  his  hands  full." 

So  he  bullied  our  consul,  and  captured  our  men, 
Went  out  through  the   Straits  and.  came  back  safe 

again ; 
And  thought  that  his  cruisers  in  triumph  might  ply 
Wherever  they  pleased — but  he  thought  a  d — d  lie. 

For  when  Jonathan  fairly  got  John  out  of  his  way, 
He  prepared  him  to  settle  accounts  with  the  dey ; 
Says  he,  "  I  will  send  him  an  able  debater  :" 
So  he  sent  him  a  message  by  Stephen  Decatur. 

Away  went  Decatur  to  treat  with  the  dey, 
But  he  met  the  dey's  admiral  just  in  his  way; 
And  by  way  of  a  tribute  just  captured  his  ship ; 
But  the  soul  of  the  admiral  gave  him  the  slip. 

From  thence  he  proceeded  to  Algesair's  bay, 
To  pay  his  respects  to  his  highness  the  dey, 
And  sent  him  a  message,  decided  yet  civil, 
But  the  dey  wish'd  both   him   and  his  note  to  the 
d— 1. 

And  when  he  found  out  that  the  admiral's  ship 
And  the  admiral,  too,  had  both  given  him  the  slip, 
The  news  gave  his  highness  a  good  deal  of  pain, 
And  the  dey  thought  he'd  never  see  daylight  again. 

"  Ho  !  ho !"  says  the  dey,  "  if  this  is  the  way 
This  Jonathan  reckons  his  tribute  to  pay, 
Who  takes  it  will  tickle  his  fingers  with  thorns  ;" 
So  the  dey  and  the  crescent  both  haul'd  in  their  horns. 
12* 


138  NAVAL    SONGS. 

He  call'd  for  a  peace,  and  gave  up  our  men, 

And  promised  he'd  never  ask  tribute  again  ; 

Says  his  highness,  the  dey,  "  Here's  the  d — 1  to  pay 

Instead  of  a  tribute;  heigho,  well-a-day  !" 

And  never  again  will  our  Jonathan  pay 
A  tribute  to  potentate,  pirate,  or  dey  ; 
Nor  any,  but  that  which  forever  is  given — 
The  tribute  to  valour,  and  virtue,  and  Heaven. 

And  again  if  his  deyship  should  bully  and  fume, 
Or  hereafter  his  claim  to  this  tribute  resume, 
We'll  send  him  Decatur  once  more  to  defy  him, 
And  his  motto  shall  be,  if  you  please — Carpe  Diem. 


04      THE  TARS  OF  COLUMBIA.— 1813. 

Tune — '•.inacreon  in  Heaven." 

Ye  sons  of  old  Neptune,  whose  spirits  of  steel 

In  tempests  were  harden'd,  by  peril  were  temper'd, 
Whose  limbs,  like  the  wild  winds  that  sweep  the  bare 
keel, 
By  fetters  of  tyrants  shall  never  be  hamper  d  ; 
Mid  the  storm  and  the  flood 
Still  your  honours  shall  bud, 
And  bloom  with  fresh  fragrance,  though  nurtured  with 
blood  : 
For  the  tars  of  Columbia  are  lords  of  the  wave, 
And  have  sworn  that  old   ocean's  their  throne  or 
their  grave. 

The  eagle  of  empire,  from  Europe's  rich  plain, 
O'er  the  wide-rolling  waters  long  urged  his  proud 
pinion : 


NAVAL   SONGS.  139 

Now  enthroned  on  our  heights  that  o'ershadow  the 
main, 
He  exults  in  the  fields  of  his  new-born  dominion. 
In  the  tops  of  our  pine, 
With  refulgence  divine, 
The  blaze  of  his  eye  shall  eternally  shine ; 

For  the  tars  of  Columbia,  &c. 
The  chiefs  who  our  freedom  sustain'd  on  the  land, 

Fame's  far-spreading  voice  has  eternized  in  story : 
By  the  roar  of  our  cannon  now  call'd  to  the  strand, 
She  beholds  on  the  ocean  their  rivals  in  glory. 
Her  sons  there  she  owns, 
And  her  clarion's  bold  tones 
Tell  of  Hull  and  Decatur,  of  Bainbridge  and  Jones  : 
For  the  tars  of  Columbia,  &c. 

She  speaks,  too,  of  Lawrence,  the  merciful  brave, 

Whose  body  in  death  still  his  flag  nobly  shielded : 
With  his  blood  he  serenely  encrimson'd  the  wave, 
And  surrender'd  his  life,  but  his  ship  never  yielded. 
His  spirit  still  soars 
Where  the  sea-battle  roars, 
And  proclaims  to  the  nations  of  earth's  farthest  shores, 
That  the  tars  of  Columbia,  &c. 

When  the  lightning  of  night  fires  the  turbulent  deeps, 
When  foams  the  red  wave  under  War's  wasteful 
demon, 
When,  save  Danger  and  Death,  every  sea-spirit  sleeps, 
Then,  on  danger  and  death  smiles  Columbia's  bold 
Unmoved  as  the  pole,  [seaman. 

His  invincible  soul 
The  bolts  and  the  battle  still  round  him  bids  roll ; 
For  the  tars  of  Columbia,  &c. 


140  NAVAL    SONGS. 

His  ship's  the  loved  ark  of  his  safety  and  cheer, 

His  canopy,  heaven,  and  his  path  the  broad  billow; 
By  the  pole-star  of  duty,  all  dauntless  he'll  steer 
To  the  laurels  of  age,  or  a  coral-grown  pillow. 
But  whenever  fate's  tie 
Breaks,  arid  lets  his  soul  fly, 
There's  a  glorious  state-room  awaits  him  on  high  : 
For  the  tars  of  Columbia,  &c. 

Columbia  shall  yet  view  her  maritime  hosts, 

On  her  lakes,  seas,  and  rivers  impervious  surround 
her; 
Like  the  rocks  that  have  girt,  since  creation,  her  coasts, 
On  them  every  sea-borne  assailant  shall  founder. 
Be  it  Britain  or  Gaul, 
Still  her  sons  at  the  call 
Shall  guard  her,  and  grace  in  their  triumph,  or  fall. 
For  the  tars  of  Columbia,  &c. 

From  the  time-hallow'd  oaks  of  oracular  Jove 

Burst  the  voice  of  the  god,  at  Dodona's  famed  foun- 
tain: 
Our  oaks  on  the  ocean  more  gloriously  rove 
Than  waved  their  broad  boughs,  overshading  the 
mountain. 
Their  oracles  bold 
In  deep  thunders  are  roll'd, 
And,  announced  in  dark  volumes,  to  empires  unfold, 
That  the  tars  of  Columbia,  &c. 

Our  country's  a  ship  of  imperial  state, 

New  built  from  the  stanchest  materials  of  ages; 

While  majestic  she  moves  in  the  sea  of  her  fate, 
Her  beauty  the  eyes  of  the  nations  engages. 


NAVAL   SONGS.  141 

Her  colours  sublime 
Shall  salute  every  clime, 
Borne  safe  through  the  shoals  and  the  tempests  of 
time. 
For  the  tars  of  Columbia,  &c. 


65    CHARGE  THE  CAN  CHEERILY.— 1813. 

Now  coil  up  your  nonsense  'bout  England's  great  navy, 

And  take  in  your  slack  about  oak-hearted  tars ; 
For  frigates  as  stout,  and  as  gallant  crews  have  we, 
'Or  how  came  her  Macedon  deck'd  with  our  stars  ? 
Yes,  how  came  her  Guerriere,  her  Peacock,  and  Java, 

All  sent,  broken  ribb'd,  to  old  Davy,  of  late? 
How  came  it  ]  why,  split  me,  than  Britons  we're  braver, 
And  that  they  shall  feel,  too,  wherever  we  meet. 
Then  charge  the  can  cheerily, 
Send  it  round  merrily, 
Here's  to  our  country,  and  captains  commanding; 
To  all  who  inherit 
Of  Lawrence  the  spirit, 
Disdaining  to  strike  while  a  stick  is  left  standing. 

Nay,  if,  unawares,  we  should  run  (a  fresh  gale  in) 

Close  in  with  a  squadron,  we  laugh  at  'em  all ; 
We'd  tip  Master  Bull  such  a  sample  of  sailing, 

As  should  cause  him  to  fret  like  a  pig  in  a  squall. 
We'd  show  the  vain  boaster  of  numbers  superior. 

Though  he  and  his  slaves  at  the  notion  may  sneer, 
In  skill,  as  in  courage,  to  us  they're  inferior 

For  the  longer  they  chase  us,  the  less  we've  to  fear. 
Then  charge  the  can,  &c. 


142  NAVAL    SONGS. 

But  should  a  razee  be  espied  ahead  nearly, 

To  fetch   her  we'd   crowd   every  stitch  we   could 
make; 
Down  chests,  and  up  hammocks,  would  heave  away 
cheerly, 
And  ready  for  action  would  be  in  a  shake. 
For  her  swaggering  cut  though,  and  metal  not  caring, 
Till  up  with  her  close,  should  our  fire  be  withheld, 
Then,  ponr'd  in  so  hot,  that  her  mangled  crew,  fearing 
A  trip  to  the  bottom,  should  speedily  yield. 
Then  charge  the  can,  &c. 

Britannia,  although  she  beleaguers  our  coast  now, 

The  dread  of  our  wives  and  our  sweethearts  as  well, 
Of  ruling  the  waves  has  less  reason  to  boast  now, 

As  Dacres,  and  Carden,  and  Whinyates  can  tell. 
Enroll'd  in  our  annals  live  Hull  and  Decatur, 

Jones,    Lawrence,    and     Bainbridge,    Columbia's 
pride — 
The  pride  of  our  navy,  which,  sooner  or  later, 

Shall  on  the  wide  ocean  triumphantly  ride. 
Then  charge  the  can,  &c. 


66  THE  TOUGH  YANKEE  TAR. 

Huzza  for  the  lads  of  the  ocean  ! 

Whose  mark  is  the  eagle  and  star: 
They'll  challenge  all  hands,  I've  a  notion, 

To  beat  them  at  knocks  in  the  war, 
With  a  tough  Yankee  tar  ! 

Now,  braver  than  Grecian  or  Roman, 
For  honour  he  fears  not  a  scar  ; 


NAVAL   SONGS.  143 

And,  damme,  he'll  yield  him  to  no  man, 
While  he  holds  to  a  timber  or  spar — 
'Tis  a  tough  Yankee  tar ! 

Old  Archimedes,  he  was  an  ass  : 

He  had  ne'er  swung  a  ship  from  the  water, 

But  broken  his  lever,  and  reflectors  of  brass, 
Had  he  known  how  to  beat  up  to  quarter, 
Like  a  tough  Yankee  tar  ! 

Now  first  on  the  ocean  they  try  hands, 
To  check  haughty  Albion's  career ; 

And  soon  the  poor  king  of  the  islands 
Yields  a  proud  and  a  boasted  Guerriere 
To  a  tough  Yankee  tar ! 

Let  them  jabber  as  much  as  they  please, 

'Tis  all  botheration  and  stuff. 
They  talk  of  the  rights  of  the  seas; 

We'll  teach  them  'tis  all  plain  enough 
To  a  tough  Yankee  tar ! 

Now  Columbia,  with  proudest  emotion, 
Hails  her  young  sons  of  war  on  the  main  : 

They  wave  a  free  flag  on  the  ocean, 
And  none  shall  her  freedom  maintain, 
Like  a  tougrh  Yankee  tar ! 


07  THE  SHIP,  BOYS— 1813. 

Tune — "Jack  at  Greenwich." 

Come,  messmates,  cheerly  lead  the  night, 
And  toast  each  absent  beauty ; 

Mayhap  we'll  bleed  e'er  morning's  light : 
What  then  1  why,  'tis  our  duty. 


144  NAVAL    SONGS. 

On  sea  or  shore,  in  peace  or  strife, 

Whate'er  the  cause  that  breeds  it. 
A  tar  knows  how  to  give  his  life, 

Whene'er  his  country  needs  it. 
We've  something,  too,  to  give  our  foes, 

If  they  don't  gi'e's  the  slip,  boys; 
We'll  give  them  broadsides,  blood,  and  blows, 

But,  "Don't  give  up  the  ship,"  boys. 
The  ship,  boys,  6:c. 

When,  o'er  Nantasket's  fatal  wave, 

Our  Lawrence  sought  the  battle, 
And  for  a  hero's  crown  or  grave 

Bade  all  his  thunders  rattle  : 
Says  he,  "  My  lads,  you  know  the  way, 

To  fighting  foes  give  slaughter; 
And,  should  our  valour  win  the  day, 

Then  give  the  vanquish'd  quarter." 
But,  when  capsized,  the  words  that  last 

Hung  on  his  dying  lips,  boys, 
Were,  "  Let  our  flag  still  crown  the  mast, 

And  don't  give  up  the  ship,"  boys. 
The  ship,  boys,  &c. 

On  hammock  bloody,  wet,  or  dry, 

We  all  must  pay  our  score,  boys; 
But  death  and  danger's  all  my  eye; 

We've  seen  their  face  before,  boys. 
With  Hull,  we  stood  the  Guerriere's  force, 

And  doff'd  the  pride  of  Dacres, 
Who  swore  he  thought  the  joke  too  coarse 

From  modest  Yankee  quakers. 
When  Bainbridge,  too,  the  good  and  brave, 

Just  spoil'd  the  Java's  trip,  boys. 


NAVAL   SOXGS.  145 

We  swore  upon  that  crimson  wave, 
We'd  ne'er  give  up  our  ship,  boys. 
The  ship,  boys,  &c. 

Now  what's  the  use  to  talk  all  night 

'Bout  Morris,  Jones,  Decatur1? 
The  foe  to  beat  in  equal  fight, 

God  bless  e'm,  'tis  their  natur'. 
And  long  before  dishonour's  shoal 

Brings  up  our  gallant  navy, 
There's  many  a  noble  Briton's  soul 

Must  weigh  for  grim  old  Davy. 
For,  all  in  Scripture  lingo  pat, 

Our  chaplain  proves  it  glip,  boys, 
That  "  pugnam  bonam,"  and  all  that, 

Means,  "  Don't  give  up  the  ship,"  boys 
The  ship,  boys,  &c. 

So,  fill  to  a  Yankee  seaman's  creed — 

His  heart  he  gives  his  fairest : 
His  purse  and  cheer  to  a  brother's  need, 

With  songs  and  fids  o'  the  rarest : 
His  hulk,  while  in  life's  tide  it  lives, 

His  country's  arms  must  lade  it; 
And  when  his  cruise  is  up,  he  gives 

His  soul  to  Him  that  made  it. 
But,  rough  or  bloody  be  the  wave, 

And  e'en  in  Death's  cold  grip,  boys 
Columbia's  tars,  so  stanch  and  brave, 

Will  ne'er  give  up  the  ship,  boys. 
The  ship,  boys,  &c. 

13 


146  NAVAL    SONGS. 


68  FREEDOM.— 1813. 

Tune — "Rule  Britannia." 

Unveil'd  mid  Nature's  glorious  birth, 
Thy  spirit,  Freedom,  soar'd  sublime ; 

Sail'd  o'er  the  regions  of  the  earth, 
And  pointed  to  this  infant  clime. 

Thy  spirit  shall  the  magnet  be 

That  guides  thy  sons  to  victory. 

Now  o'er  the  broad  Atlantic  wave 

Behold  Columbia's  star  arise ! 
Warm'd  by  its  beam,  the  gallant  brave 

A  mighty  foe  in  arms  defies. 
That  star  the  unerring  guide  shall  be 
That  leads  her  sons  to  victory. 

These  o'er  Britannia's  warlike  name 
Her  glorious  banner  proudly  spread ; 

And  Britons,  first  in  naval  fame, 
Beneath  her  valour  nobly  bled. 

Her  star  that  o'er  the  contest  glow'd, 

The  lustre  of  a  nation  show'd. 

Now,  foremost  mid  the  battle's  blaze, 
Loudly  her  heroes'  arms  resound  : 

Unawed  by  numbers,  there  they  raise 
Her  gallant  fleet,  with  glory  crown'd. 

While  light  can  guide,  and  valour  shield, 

Columbia  to  no  power  shall  yield. 

Though  small  her  force,  o'er  ocean  wide 
The  terror  of  her  name  ascends ; 

While,  dauntless,  through  the  whelming  tide 
The  hero's  zeal  her  cause  defends. 


NAVAL   SONGS.  147 

His  deeds  shall  make  the  world  proclaim 
The  glory  of  Columbia's  name. 

There,  while  destruction  round  him  flies, 

No  perils  can  his  soul  affright ; 
Bold  as  his  hopes,  his  efforts  rise, 

His  country  is  his  guiding  light 
Her  safety  turns  his  steps  to  war, 
Her  freedom  is  his  leading  star. 

For  this,  we  saw  thy  gallant  form, 

Brave  Lawrence,  court  the  raging  wave ; 

Flash,  like  a  sunbeam,  through  the  storm, 
And  grasp,  in  death,  the  warrior's  grave. 

Thy  star,  Columbia,  sunk  in  gloom, 

And  long  shall  glimmer  on  his  tomb. 

Yet  thou,  bright  shade !  enroll'd  in  light, 
Art  near,  to  warm  the  warrior's  soul ; 

And  many  a  hero  through  the  fight, 
Now  hails  thee  in  the  cannon's  roll. 

Thy  spirit  shall  his  angel  be 

To  guide  his  arms  to  victory. 

Columbia !  fairest  plant  of  heaven, 
Thou  land  of  hope,  with  plenty  bless'd  ! 

Thy  blooming  plains,  by  Nature  given, 
No  foe  nor  stranger  shall  molest : 

For  bold  thy  sons  shall  ever  be 

To  guard  thy  rights  o'er  land  and  sea. 

Thy  conquests,  on  the  roll  of  Fame, 
Shall  long  in  bright  succession  lie, 

While  Glory  stamps  the  hero's  name, 
And  waves  the  conquering  flag  on  high. 


148  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Thy  star  with  time  shall  brighter  shine, 
And  give  to  Fame  a  ray  divine. 

Then  once  again  shall  Peace  resume 
Her  olive-leaf  and  blooming  crest; 

Her  smile  extend  through  Nature's  gloom, 
And  pierce  the  cloud  that  veils  her  breast. 

Then  hail,  Columbia's  star  divine, 

For  peace  and  victory  shall  be  thine. 


09  NAVAL  SONG. 

Thine — "Remember  the  glories  of  Brian  the  brate." 

Columbia,  how  bright  is  the  fresh-blooming  wreath 

Which  thy  heroes,  who  fight  for  thy  good, 
While  living  entwine,  and  when  dying  bequeath, 

From  their  death-bed,  embalm'd  with  their  blood. 
And,  0 !  while  we  live  in  the  brightness  it  spreads, 

And  lights  us  on  Liberty's  way, 
Let  us  never  forget  'tis  their  glory  that  sheds 

Its  fair  tints  o'er  Columbia's  day. 

0  Washington,  brightest  and  best  of  thy  race, 

By  thy  beacon-light  still  let  us  steer : 
In  thy  wisdom,  and  virtue,  and  valour  we  trace 

Whate'er  to  thy  country  is  dear. 
And  still,  in  the  day  of  distress,  let  us  turn 

To  thee  as  our  guide  and  our  star, 
Thy  glories,  reflected  from  heaven,  will  burn 

Bright  again  round  Columbia's  car. 

Forget  not,  Columbia,  thy  seamen  so  true, 
Whose  achievements  now  blazon  thy  name ; 


NAVAL   SONGS.  149 


Forget  not  their  lives  are  devoted  to  you, 
'Tis  thy  glory  that  lives  in  their  fame. 

The  laurels  they've  won,  by  their  blood  on  the  main, 
Columbia,  O  never  forget : 

They're  the  hero's  life  gem,  and  will  light  him  again 
To  still  brighter  victories  yet. 

Can  that  nation  e'er  rise  to  the  proud  heights  of  fame, 

"Who  respects  not  the  deeds  of  her  brave  ? 
From  Oblivion's  tomb  can  she  e'er  save  her  name, 

Who  protects  not  her  patriot's  grave  1 
0  never,  Columbia!  then  ne'er  let  this  stain, 

The  stream  of  thy  glory  pollute ; 
Let  thy  heroes'  bright  wreaths  ever  honour'd  remain, 

Entwined  with  thy  liberty's  root. 


70  NAVAL  HEROES.— 1814. 

7*1*716 — "Hearts  of  Oak." 

Ye  sons  of  Columbia,  come,  let  us  rejoice 

In  the  bright  course  of  glory  our  brave  tars  have  run, 
And  in  one  mighty  chorus,  with  one  heart  and  voice, 
Pour  the  tribute  of  verse  o'er  the  laurels  they've  won. 
Hearts  of  oak  are  our  ships,  souls  of  fire  are  our  men, 
They  always  are  ready, 
Steady  boys,  steady, 
To  fight  and  to  conquer  again  and  again. 

0,  long  on  our  mountains  the  forests  have  stood, 

Through  ages  of  peace  in  the  shade  of  neglect; 

But  the  fiat  of  heaven  calls  them  down  to  the  flood, 

Our  shores  to  defend,  and  our  rights  to  protect. 

Hearts  of  oak,  &c. 

13* 


150  NAVAL    SONGS. 

And  see,  while  the  nations  of  Europe  have  long 

Mid  the  conflicts  of  war  rear'd  their  pillars  of  fame, 
We  can  boast  of  our  heroes  whose  arms  are  as  strong, 
Whose  achievements  will  give  them  as  deathless  a 
name. 
Hearts  of  oak,  &c. 
See  Hull,  Jones,  Decatur,  and  Bainbridge  now  burn, 
Brighter  stars  in  our  land  than  vain  Britons   can 
claim : 
For  while  they  beat  the  world,  we  beat  them  in  our 
turn, 
And  thus  prostrate  at  once  their  proud  pillars  of 
fame. 
Hearts  of  oak,  &c. 
Behold,  too,  brave  Lawrence,  whose  splendid  career, 

Gives  another  bright  star  to  the  sky  of  our  fame, 
Though  removed  from  this  world,  his  example  shall 
rear 
Future  heroes  in  war,  "  by  the  fame  of  his  name." 
Hearts  of  oak,  &c. 
And  see,  too,  young  Burroughs,  the  seaman's  delight, 
Bears  another  fair  sprig  pluck'd  from  Victory's  brow, 
Though  'twas  bought  by  his  life-blood,  that  stream'd 

in  the  fight, 
Life  'gainst  honour  is  naught,  as  our  brave  tars  well 
know. 
Hearts  of  oak,  &c. 

But  hark  !  while  we  sing,  hear  the  trumpet  of  fame, 
With  the  glad  notes  of  triumph  again  our  ears  greet : 

'Tis  for  Perry  it  swells,  ever  glorious  name, 

To  whose  matchless  arm  struck  a  whole  British  fleet. 
Hearts  of  oak,  ficc. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  151 

We've  yet  thousands  besides  of  young  sons  of  the 
wave, 
Who  but  wait  for  the  call  of  their  country  to  fly, 
And  to  enter  the  lists,  with  the  first  of  the  brave, 
Who  their  honour  insult,  or  their  prowess  defy. 
Hearts  of  oak,  &c. 

Then,  ye  sons  of  Columbia,  come,  let  us  rejoice 

In  the  bright  course  of  glory  our  country  can  boast; 
And  in  one  mighty  chorus,  with  one  heart  and  voice, 

While  we  drink  to  our  tars,  let  this  still  be  our  toast — 
"  Hearts  of  oak  are  our  ships,  souls  of  fire  are  our  men ; 
They  always  are  ready, 
Steady  boys,  steady, 
For  their  country  to  fight,  and  to  conquer  again." 


71         THE  TARS  OF  COLUMBIA.— 1816. 

Ye  generous  sons  of  Freedom's  happy  climes, 
Think,  while  you  safely  till  your  fruitful  fields, 

Of  him,  the  avenger  of  Oppression's  crimes, 

Who  ploughs  a  soil  which  blood  and  danger  yields, 

Remember  still  the  gallant  tar,  who  roams 

Through  rocks  and  gulfs,  the  ocean's  gloomy  vast, 

To  quell  your  foes,  and  guard  your  peaceful  homes, 
Who  bides  the  battle's  shock  and  tempest's  blast. 

Think,  while  you  loll  upon  your  beds  of  down, 
And  mingle  with  Affection's  cheering  train, 

How  he's  exposed  to  Winter's  chilling  frown, 
Without  a  kindred  soul  to  soothe  his  pain. 


152  NAVAL    SONGS. 


When  seated  by  your  joy-diffusing  fire, 

Some  dreary,  dark,  tempestuous,  howling  night, 

Let  Fancy's  strong,  adventurous  wing  aspire, 
And  poise  o'er  ocean  on  aerial  height : 

Thence  view  the  rolling  world  of  waves  below — 
Survey  the  barks  that  bear  our  daring  tars, 

As  round  them  Neptune's  howling  whirlwinds  blow, 
And  rend  their  sails,  and  crash  their  yielding  spars; 

Lo!  where  the  lashing  surges,  foaming  high, 
Convulse  the  groaning  vessel's  sturdy  frame, 

With  lightning  torches  snatch'd  from  the  vex'd  sky, 
Destruction's  angel  whelms  her  all  in  flame. 

Fierce  thunders  burst — the  starless  welkin  glares — 
No  aid  is  near — the  lamp  of  hope  expires — 

Terrific  Death  his  haggard  visage  bares, 
And  ocean  monsters  fly  the  raging  fires. 

Behold  the  gallant  crew,  Columbia's  sons ! 

Who've  boldly  torn  the  British  banner  down, 
And  faced  the  mouths  of  her  exploding  guns  ; 

E'en  now  they  scorn  to  sully  their  renown  ! 

Though  naught  but  one  dark  waste  of  billows  wide 
Meet  their  unweeping  eyes — and,  ere  an  hou 

Has  flown  one  hundredth  part  away,  the  tide 

Must  quench  their  breath  ;  their  spirits  do  not  cower ! 

They  feel,  with  joy,  they've  served  their  country  well, 

And  lift  an  honest  orison  to  heaven; 
Their  homes  upon  their  dying  accents  dwell, 

And  as  they  sink,  tin  y  hope  their  sins  forgiven. 

Behold  that  head  with  glory  circled  bright! 
As  it  descends,  the  waves  around  it  glow ; 


NAVAL   SONGS.  153 

'Tis  Blakeley's  !  he  that  halo  gain'd  in  fight, 
When  Britain's  standard  fell  beneath  his  blow. 

Though  watery  mountains  roll  upon  his  breast, 
And  scaly  millions  gambol  in  his  grave ; 

Yet  shall  his  spirit  shine  among  the  bless'd, 
And  fame  embalm  his  memory  on  the  wave. 

But  see !  where  yonder  floating  fragments  blaze, 
A  lonely,  lingering  sailor  still  survives ! 

From  his  frail  plank  he  casts  a  hopeless  gaze, 
Yet  still  for  life  with  the  rough  sea  he  strives. 

Far  on  the  tumbling  deep  the  hero's  toss'd, 
Ere  long  the  tempest  flags,  and  dawn  appears ; 

The  sun  rolls  up  the  sky,  "  All,  all  are  lost !" 

He  cries,  "  my  comrades  brave !" — thence  gush  his 
tears. 

The  wearied  billows  sink  in  slumbers  mild, 
And  on  their  sparkling  bosoms  dolphins  play; 

With  lusty  arms  he  stems  the  watery  wild, 
And  thinks  on  friends  and  country  far  away. 

A  thousand  tender  feelings  swell  his  heart — 

His  wife's,  and  babe's,  and  kindred's  dear  embrace, 

Shoots  through  his  bosom  like  a  burning  dart, 
At  thought,  that  they  no  more  shall  see  his  face. 

His  eye  around  the  wide  expanse  he  strains, 
In  hopes  some  passing  vessel  to  descry ; 

Ploughing  the  waste  of  ever  waving  plains, 
That  at  far  distance  meet  the  bending  sky : 

And  not  a  whitening  surge  is  seen  to  rise 
In  the  waste  distance,  and  towards  him  roll, 


154  NAVAL    SONGS. 


But  seems  a  friendly  sail  to  his  dim  eyes, 

Bringing  sweet  hope  to  cheer  his  sinking  soul. 

Alas,  poor  sailor!  'tis  no  help  for  thee ! 

It  comes  the  foaming  herald  of  the  storm. 
'Tis  not  the  whitening  canvass  that  you  see, 

But  the  white  winding-sheet  to  wrap  thy  form. 

In  pomp  majestic,  on  his  billowy  throne, 

Far  in  the  west,  day's  radiant  sovereign  glows ; 

His  cheering  sway  the  finny  nations  own, 
As  o'er  the  deep  his  golden  splendour  flows. 

Their  frolics  wild  the  hapless  sailor  views, 

As  round  him,  through  the  brine,  they  flounce  and 
frisk : 

Then,  on  the  western  glories  seems  to  muse, 
Until  the  sun  withdraws  his  flaming  disk. 

Now,  hear  the  plaint  his  heart  in  sadness  pours — 
"  While  pleasure  sparkles  through   the  swarming 
main, 

Illumes  yon  heaven,  and  robes  my  native  shores  ; 
I'm  thrown  adrift,  the  sport  of  direst  pain ! 

"  0  !  that,  when  in  the  battle  fray  I  stood, 
And  strain'd  each  sinew  in  the  glorious  cause ; 

Some  cannon  peal  had  drain'd  my  veins  of  blood, 
And  crown'd  my  mortal  exit  with  applause ! 

But,  here  I'm  doom'd  to  perish  in  the  deep, 
By  ocean  monster,  hunger,  storm,  or  cold  ; 

Without  one  messmate  o'er  my  corse  to  weep, 
And  pay  the  honours  due  a  sailor  bold." 

The  pall  of  Night  the  liquid  world  enshrouds, 
And  silence  mingles  with  the  gathering  gloom  ; 


NAVAL  SONGS.  155 

Again  the  heavens  are  wrapp'd  in  rolling  clouds, 
And  sea-mews  shriek  o'er  many  a  watery  tomb. 

Ah  !  think  what  now  the  lonely  sailor  feels  ! 

Chill  are  his  brine-steep'd  limbs,  and  numb'd,  and 
tired — 
The  swelling  mass  of  waves  already  reels — 

The  sky  with  flash,  succeeding  flash,  is  fired. 

The  winds  are  raging  fierce — the  surges  roll — 
The  shark  and  huge  leviathan  now  roam — 

Tremendous  thunders  shake  the  distant  pole, 
And  ocean's  heaving  breast  is  whelm'd  in  foam. 

A  flickering  light  gleams  o'er  the  tumbling  flood — 
Perhaps  a  meteor's. — Lives  our  seaman  still  ? 

Or  drinks  the  insatiate  shark  his  valiant  blood  1 
This  know,  whate'er  his  fate,  'tis  God's  just  will. 

Ere  long,  if  not  deterr'd  by  critic's  ire, 
Wild  Fancy  may  his  destiny  disclose; 

And  call  upon  his  country  to  admire 
A  sailor's  gallantry,  and  feel  his  woes. 


72  A  SEA  PIECE, 

Occasioned  by  the  supposed,  and  too  probable,  loss  of  the 
United  States  ship  Hornet,  It  is  a  sort  of  recitation, 
uniting  the  "orders"  of  the  boatswain,  with  the  poetical 
description  of  the  loss  of  the  Hornet. 

— Call  the  watch  ! — call  the  watch  ! 
*'//o .'  the  starboard  watch,  ahoy  /" — Have  you  heard 
How  a  noble  ship,  so  trim,  like  our  own,  my  hearties, 
here, 


156  NAVAL    SONGS. 

All  scudding  'fore  the  gale,  disappear'd 

Where  yon  southern  billows  roll  o'er  their  bed  so 
green  and  clear ! 
Hold  the  reel !  keep  her  full !  hold  the  reel ! 

How  she  flew  athwart  the  spray,  as,  shipmates,  we 
do  now — 
Till  her  twice  a  hundred  fearless  hearts  of  steel 

Felt  the  whirlwind  lift  its  waters  aft  and  plunge  her 
downward  bow ! 

Bear  a  hand ! 

Strike  top-gallants  ! — mind  your  helm  ! — jump  aloft ! 
'Twas  such  a  night  as  this,  my  lads,  a  rakish  bark 
was  drown'd, 
When  demons  foul,  that  whisper  seamen  oft, 

Scoop'd  a  tomb  amid  the  flashing  surge  that  never 
shall  be  found. 
Square  the  yards  ! — a  double  reef ! — Hark  !  the  blast ! 

0  !  fiercely  has  it  fallen  on  the  war  ship  of  the  brave  ! 
When  its  tempest  fury  stretch'd  the  stately  mast 
All  along  the  foamy  sides,  as  they  shouted  on  the 
wave. 

Bear  a  hand ! 

— Call  the  watch  ! — call  the  watch  ! 
"Ho  !  the  larboard  watch,  ahoy  .'" — Have  you  heard 
How  a  vessel,  gay  and  taunt,  on  the  mountains  of 
the  sea, 
Went  below,  with  all  her  warlike  crew  on  board — 
They  who  battled  for  the  happy,  boys,  and  perish'd 
for  the  free  1 
Clew,  clew  up,  fore  and  aft ! — keep  her  away  .' 
How  the  vulture  bird  of  death,  in  its  black  and 
viewless  form, 


NAVAL   SONGS. 

Hover' d  sure  o'er  the  clamours  of  his  prey, 
While,  through  all  their  dripping-  shrouds,  yell'd  the 
spirit  of  the  storm! 

Bear  a  hand ! 

Now,  out  reefs  ! — brace  the  yard ! — lively,  there  ! 
0 !  no  more  to  homeward  breeze  shall  her  swelling 
bosom  spread, 
But  love's  expectant  eye  bid  despair 

Set  her  raven  watch  eternal  o'er  the  wreck  in  ocean's 
bed! 
Board  your  tacks  ! — cheerly,  boys  !     But  for  them, 
Their  last  evening  gun  is  fired — their  gales  are  over- 
blown ! 
O'er  their  smoking  deck  no  starry  flag  shall  stream  ! 
They'll   sail  no  more — they'll  fight  no  more — for 
their  gallant  ship's  gone  down ! 
Bear  a  hand ! 


73  OLD  IRONSIDES. 

The  following  grand  and  soul-stirring  lyric,  from  the  pen 
of  a  New  England  poet,  was  written  on  hearing  that  it  was 
in  contemplation  by  the  Navy  Department  to  break  up  the 
old  frigate  Constitution,  and  to  sell  her  timbers.  The 
author  is  Oliver  W.  Holmes,  of  Cambridge,  Massachu- 

Ay,  tear  her  tatter'd  ensign  down ! 

Long  has  it  waved  on  high, 
And  many  an  eye  has  danced  to  see 

That  banner  in  the  sky ; 
Beneath  it  rung  the  battle-shout, 

And  burst  the  cannon's  roar ; 
14 


158  NAVAL    SONGS. 

The  meteor  of  the  ocean  air 

Shall  sweep  the  clouds  no  more  ! 

Her  deck — once  red  with  heroes'  blood, 

Where  knelt  the  vanquish'd  foe, 
When  winds  were  hurrying  o'er  the  flood. 

And  waves  were  white  below — 
No  more  shall  feel  the  victor's  tread, 

Or  know  the  conquer'd  knee; 
The  harpies  of  the  shore  shall  pluck 

The  eagle  of  the  sea ! 

O  !  better  that  her  shatter'd  hulk 

Should  sink  beneath  the  wave  ; 
Her  thunders  shook  the  mighty  deep, 

And  there  should  be  her  grave; 
Nail  to  the  mast  her  holy  flag, 

Set  every  threadbare  sail, 
And  give  her  to  the  god  of  storms, 

The  lightning  and  the  gale ! 


74  A  SAILOR'S  LIFE. 

How  bless'd  the  life  a  sailor  leads, 

From  clime  to  clime  still  ranging, 
For  as  the  calm  the  storm  succeeds, 

The  scene  delights  by  changing. 
Though  tempests  howl  along  the  main, 

Some  object  will  remind  us, 
And  cheer  with  hope  to  meet  again 

The  friends  we  left  behind  us. 


NAVAL    60NGS.  159 

Then,  under  full  sail,  we  laugh  at  the  gale, 
Though  the  landsmen  look  pale,  never  heed  'em ; 

But  toss  off  the  glass  to  a  favourite  lass, 
To  America,  Commerce,  and  Freedom. 

But  when  arrived  in  sight  of  land, 

Or  safe  in  port  rejoicing; 
Our  ship  we  moor,  our  sails  we  hand, 

Whilst  out  the  boat  is  hoisting. 
With  cheerful  hearts  the  shore  we  reach, 

Our  friends  delight  to  greet  us  ; 
And,  tripping  lightly  o'er  the  beach, 
The  pretty  lasses  meet  us. 

When  the  full-flowing  bowl  enlivens  the  soul, 

To  foot  it  we  merrily  lead  'em  ; 
And  each  bonny  lass  will  drink  off  a  glass 
To  America,  Commerce,  and  Freedom. 

Our  prizes  sold,  the  chink  we  share, 

And  gladly  we  receive  it ; 
And  when  we  meet  a  brother  tar 
That  wants,  we  freely  give  it. 
No  freeborn  sailor  yet  had  store, 
But  cheerfully  would  lend  it; 
And  when  'tis  gone,  to  sea  for  more ; 
We  earn  it  but  to  spend  it. 

Then  drink  round,  my  hoys,  'tis  the  first  of  our 
joys 
To  relieve  the  distress'd,  clothe  and  feed  'em  ; 
'Tis  a  duty  we  share  with  the  brave  and  the  fair, 
In  this  land  of  Commerce  and  Freedom. 


160  NAVAL    SONGS. 


75  THE  COMMON  CAUSE. 

Our  country's  like  a  ship  of  war, 

A  gallant  vessel,  too  ; 
And  he  may  well  his  fortune  boast 
Who's  of  Columbia's  crew  : 
Each  man  flies  to  his  station, 
When  patriot  zeal  commands, 
Takes  his  stand, 
Lends  his  hand, 
As  the  common  cause  demands. 

When  cruising  in  the  time  of  peace, 

We  gayly  sing  and  shout ; 
Endear'd  by  wives'  and  sweethearts'  health, 
The  grog  goes  swift  about  : 
But  when  we  see  the  enemy, 
Each  heart  assistance  lends, 
On  the  deck, 
Though  a  wreck, 
As  the  common  cause  demands. 


76    COLUMBIA'S  HARDY  SEAMEN. 

Gayly,  lads,  our  friends  we're  leaving, 
Honour  calls  us  to  the  main, 

Sweethearts!  what's  the  use  of  grieving'? 
We  but  part  to  meet  again. 

Soon  avenged  our  country's  quarrels, 
W7hat  delicious  joys  we'll  prove, 

Sweet  reposing,  crown'd  with  laurels 
In  the  arms  of  those  we  love ! 


NAVAL   SONGS.  161 

Love  of  country,  love  of  glory, 

From  our  mothers'  breasts  we  drew  ; 

Our  forefathers,  famed  in  story, 
Gave  the  bright  example  too. 

Hail,  Columbia's  hardy  seamen, 
Bravely  bred  on  boisterous  waves — 

Faithful  to  ourselves  as  freemen, 
Not  the  world  can  make  us  slaves. 

"  Arm  our  floating  towers  of  timber," 
Congress  bids — each  pulse  beats  higher; 

Show  the  world  our  joints  are  limber, 
Nerves  of  steel,  and  souls  of  fire. 

Now  our  breasts,  with  ardour  glowing, 

Feel  our  bold  forefathers'  flame ; 
Through  our  veins  their  pure  blood  flowing, 

Can  our  deeds  disgrace  their  name-? 

Haste,  then,  seize  each  plundering  corsair, 

Where  the  waves  insulted  roll  1 
Trade  protect  in  every  quarter, 

From  the  tropic  to  the  pole. 

Thence  to  the  wide  world's  wonder, 

Masters  of  the  mighty  deep; 
While  we  guard  our  coast  with  thunder, 

Yet  at  home  may  safely  sleep. 

Let  us  live  a  band  of  brothers, 

Whether  on  the  land  or  sea ; 
'Tis  our  strength,  and  not  another's, 

That  would  make  or  keep  us  free ; 
14* 


162  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Never  fearing  foes  or  weather, 
Union  being  still  our  boast : 

Free  we'll  live,  or  die  together — 
"  Union  !"  boys,  in  bumpers  toast. 


77  THE  DEPARTURE. 

The  anchor  weigh'd,  the  cannon's  roar 

Proclaims  along  the  echoing  shore 

The  manly  farewell  of  a  crew, 

To  honest  independence  true: 
The  enraptured  cheers  declare  their  actions  free, 
Self-urged,  self-arm'd,  to  fight  for  liberty. 

No  sighs  disgrace  the  gather'd  crowd  ; 

The  shouts  of  joy  are  heard  aloud  : 

No  wife  her  parting  lord  restrains, 

To  check  the  smile  her  soul  disdains ; 
"  Haste,  haste,"  she  cries,  "  to  act  the  glorious  part, 
Leave,  leave  my  arms,  and  reign  within  my  heart.'' 

Each  sister,  as  she  bids  adieu, 

Crimsons  with  the  glowing  hue 

Of  honest  pride,  and  loud  declares, 

"  The  noble  toil  my  brother  shares." 
E'en  children  catch  the  all-pervading  glow, 
And  prattle  vengeance  on  the  insulting  foe. 

The  vessel  now  adown  the  tide 

Moves  slow  in  independent  pride; 

While  Delaware,  with  honest  boast, 

Presents  her  to  the  insulted  coast, 
There  may  her  cannon  to  the  world  decree, 
Columbia  can,  and  ever  will  be  free. 


NAVAL   SONGS.  163 

And  you,  ye  tars,  who  foremast  stand, 

Guardians  of  your  injured  land, 

May  smiling  cherubims  on  high 

Guard  you  with  a  watchful  eye, 
From  rocks  and  shoals  your  winged  castle  bear, 
Nor  storms  and  tempests  follow  in  your  rear. 

We  pray  not  from  a  mortal  foe 

The  Heavens  to  turn  your  chasing  prow ; 

Your  courage  proved,  our  quarrel  just, 

In  you  we  place  implicit  trust; 
Assured  you'll  reap  from  every  equal  fight, 
Success  as  glorious,  as  our  cause  is  right. 


78     THE  OCEAN  PILGRIM,  A  MORAL  POEM. 

BY  MR.  DAVIS. 

Illi  robur  et  aes  triplex 
Circa  pectus,  erat. 

Thomas  King,  a  young  American  sailor,  confined  on 
board  the  Ruby,  guardship,  at  Bermuda,  observed  one  even- 
ing a  boat  alongside,  with  her  sails  standing,  which  the  lieu- 
tenants had  neglected  to  hoist  in.  A  squall  arose,  and  in 
the  darkness  of  the  gust,  he  committed  himself  in  her,  to  the 
mercy  of  the  winds  and  waves,  with  no  other  provision  than 
some  biscuits  and  water.  He  was  alone  nine  days  on  the 
awful  expanse  of  waters,  in  this  open  boat :  on  the  tenth  he 
made  the  Virginia  shore,  and  landed  at  Cape  Henry. 

Strong  is  the  love  of  native  home  : 

There  vivid  fancy  casts  her  eye ; 
Whether  on  earth  or  sea  we  roam, 

Our  native  land  demands  the  sigh. 

So  I,  Columbia's  true-born  son, 
In  floating  dungeon  long  confined, 


164  NAVAL    SONGS. 


Could  ne'er  by  smiles  nor  bribes  be  won 
To  abjure  the  land  I  left  behind. 

Bermuda's  isle  had  long-  beheld, 
In  prison-ship,  my  cheerless  fare, 

From  home  and  voice  of  friends  withheld, 
A  mournful  victim  to  despair. 

At  length,  one  night,  a  boat  astern, 
With  snowy  sails  allured  my  gaze; 

A  squall  arose — and,  now,  I  burn 
To  leave  my  jailers  in  the  haze. 

Some  bread  and  water  all  my  store, 
A  compass  saved  in  venturous  mood  : 

And  now,  alone,  I  traverse  o'er, 

In  open  boat,  great  Neptune's  flood. 

'Twas  Sabbath  when  my  frail  bark  roll'd 
At  mercy  of  the  billowy  steep  ; 

But  though  no  bell  to  vespers  toll'd, 
I  found  a  temple  on  the  deep. 

I  earnest  pray'd,  that  He,  whose  storms 
In  terror  shake  the  sea  and  sky, 

Would  take  my  spirit  in  his  arms, 
And  watch  me  with  a  parent's  eye. 

The  fair  moon  lent  the  sea  her  light, 
Her  beams  upon  the  surface  curl'd, 

And  dolphins  sported,  passing  bright, 
Around  my  little  wooden  world. 

When,  sudden,  from  a  silver  cloud 

Advanced  sweet  Hope,  a  vision  bright! 

With  melting  voice  she  call'd  aloud, 
And  charm'd  the  silence  of  the  night. 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

"  Sea-pilgrim,  hail !  old  Ocean  kind, 
Shall  homeward  bear  his  sailor-boy  ; 

And  soon  a  mother's  arms  shall  wind 
Around  thy  neck  with  speechless  joy. 

"  Thy  sisters  dear  shall,  sobbing,  dwell 
About  thy  form  with  gushing  eye; 

And  she,  whose  vestal  tumults  swell, 
Shall  at  thy  presence  cease  to  sigh." 

Nine  days  had  pass'd — the  tenth  I  knew 
By  signs,  that  land  was  not  remote : 

The  sea  had  lost  its  sable  hue, 

And  swallows  hover'd  round  my  boat. 

'Twas  so — for,  soon,  in  angel  shape, 
Uprose  to  view  Virginia's  shore ! 

I  land  on  Henry's  welcome  cape, 
I  kneel,  and  humbly  God  adore ! 


79        THE  SONS  OF  THE  DEEP.— 1815. 

Sons  of  the  deep  !  ye  spirits  brave, 

Whose  victories  saved  a  nation's  fame ; 
From  whom  the  rulers  of  the  wave 

First  learn'd  the  pangs  of  fear  and  shame ! 
To  you  the  goblet's  flowing  free, 

To  you  we  fill  where'er  you  roam ; 
Whether  you  brave  the  stormy  sea, 

Or  dare  the  thunderer  in  his  home. 

Skilful  and  bold,  by  labour  nursed, 
By  honour  taught,  by  hardship  tried  ; 


166  NAVAL    SONGS. 


In  danger  and  in  glory  first, 

Your  country's  hope,  her  joy,  her  pride. 
To  your  loved  names,  ye  gallant  few, 

Our  souls  the  song  of  triumph  raise, 
And  future  years  shall  swell  for  you 

The  fondly  lingering  notes  of  praise. 

Long  may  your  flag  its  lustre  shed 

O'er  the  wild  waters  of  the  main  ; 
Long  may  the  laurel  crown  your  head, 

And  never,  never  wear  a  stain ! 
To  you,  with  soul-enamouring  beam, 

Dear  woman's  magic  eye  shall  turn; 
Your  deeds  shall  be  the  sage's  theme, 

And  o'er  the  story  youth  shall  burn. 


80  SAILORS'  INDIFFERENCE. 

This  life,  boys,  at  best's  but  a  rough  sort  of  trip, 
And  we've  nothing  but  honour  to  lose; 

So,  'tis  better,  d'ye  see,  ere  we  give  up  the  ship, 
Like  Lawrence  to  finish  life's  cruise. 

For  I  fancy  we'll  all  meet  at  Davy's  again, 

As  jovial  as  e'er  we  met  here. 

Then  what  do  we  value  the  scoff  on  the  free, 

That  from  France  and  from  England's  self  starts? 
They  may  count  us  their  hulks  till  they're  tired,  d'ye 
see, 
And  we'll  count  them  as  many  true  hearts, 
That  can  stick  to  their  moorings  through  life's  foulest 

squalls, 
And  still  face  the  world  as  it  goes. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  167 

So  the  ninnies  we'll  balk  who  dare  think  we'll  descend 

Our  rights  on  the  seas  to  forego  : 
We  have  biscuit  and  grog  for  a  true-hearted  friend, 

And  a  merry  three  cheers  for  a  foe. 
For  the  world  and  its  great  ones  may  change  as  they 

please, 
But  a  sailor's  a  sailor,  boys,  still. 

Then  let  the  cold  heart  in  its  own  baseness  freeze, 
That  thinks  we'll  be  shy  on  the  waves  : 

Shall  we  skulk,  boys,  and  hunt  out  by-ways  through 
the  seas, 
Like  cowardly  rovers  or  slaves  1 

Away  with  such  gabble  and  nonsense,  say  I, 

While  we've  Yankee  colours  to  show. 

We  don't  know  the  count  of  his  ships  who's  our  foe, 
And,  what  is  yet  more,  we  don't  care  : 

For  ourselves,  to  the  very  heart's  core,  lads,  we  know ; 
And  so,  come  foul  weather  or  fair. 

I'm  for  setting  top-gallants  and  booming  ahead, 

And  we'll  turn  by  for  none  as  we  go. 

Then,  huzza  for  free  trade  and  our  rights  as  they  be ! 

'Tis  a  whim  that  we  like  more  and  more  : 
And  sailors  must  have  out  their  whims,  d'ye  see, 

Whether  fighting  or  jigging  on  shore. 
So  huzza  for  free  trade,  and  for  colours  mast-high, 
No  skulking  or  quibbling  for  me. 

Whether  Bainbridge,  or  Hull,  or  Decatur  commands, 

Rogers,  Biddle,  or  Jones,  'tis  all  one  : 
Huzza!  and  huzza!  and  huzza!  sing  all  hands, 

And  yard-arm  to  yard-arm's  the  fun  ! 


168  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Then,  lubbers,  stand  clear !  we  have  work  to  do,  boys, 
For  'tis  England's  old  cross  must  come  down. 

And  we'll  rake,  till  sly  death  our  hearts'  cables  shall 
slip. 
The  command  that  our  Lawrence  has  given : 
He  was  dying — says  he,  "  Boys,  don't  give  up  the 
ship  !" 
And  the  words  took  his  soul  off  to  heaven. 
Brave  heart!  he  is  gone  to  his  rest — never  mind  : 
We  are  here  to  fight  under  him  still. 

So,  no  more  of  vain  talking,  or  whining,  or  art; 

We've  to  fight  for  the  rights  of  the  states : 
And,  with  Honour  our  pilot,  with  Justice  our  chart, 

Good  Humour  and  Friendship  our  mates: 
They'll  find,  if  we've  biscuit  and  grog  for  a  friend, 
We've  a  merry  three  cheers  for  a  foe. 


81  ELEGY 

On  the  death  of  Lieutenant  James  Decatur,  who  fell  Au- 
gust 3d,  1804,  in  an  action  with  the  Tripolitan  gun-boats. 

Through  these  drear  walls,  where  fiends  horrific  reign. 
Chill  the  faint  heart,  and  rend  the  frantic  brain — 
Where,  void  of  friends,  of  pleasure,  food,  or  rest, 
The  vulture  slavery  preys  upon  the  breast — 
From  yon  thick  squadron,  whence  we  hope  to  hear 
The  voice  of  freedom  charm  the  captive's  ear, 
Sounds  the  sad  tale — Decatur's  name  deplore, 
For  that  young  hopeful  hero  breathes  no  more! 
He  left,  to  free  us  from  barbarian  chains, 
His  country's  blooming  groves  and  peaceful  plains : 


NAVAL   SONGS. 

Forever  sacred  be  those  arms  he  wore, 

The  cause  that  moved  him,  and  the  bark  that  bore. 

'Twas  Heaven's  own  cause — 'twas  Freedom's  injured 

name, 
The  love  of  country,  and  the  voice  of  fame 
Call'd  forth  his  active  martial  skill,  to  go 
Scour  the  wide  deep,  and  scourge  the  tyrant  foe  : 
Dauntless  he  fights,  where  dying  groans  resound, 
And  thundering  carnage  roars  tremendous  round, 
Till  Heaven  beheld  him  with  propitious  eyes, 
And  snatch'd  his  kindred  spirit  to  the  skies. 

When  from  the  Turks  his  mangled  form  they  bore, 
With  glory  cover"  d — bathed  in  streaming  gore, 
Bewailing  friends  his  ghastly  wounds  survey'd, 
Which  bade  defiance  to  all  human  aid. 
When  life  stood  trembling,  lingering  in  its  flight, 
And  heaven's  bless'd  visions  dawn'd  upon  his  sight, 
The  radiant  shades  of  heroes  hovering  round, 
Midst  harps  of  angels,  with  reviving  sound, 
Soothed  the  last  pangs  of  his  undaunted  breast, 
And  wing'd  him,  convoy'd,  to  eternal  rest. 

Could  Worth  have  rescued,  or  could  Virtue  save 
Her  heaven-born  votaries  from  the  destined  grave — 
Could  sacred  Friendship's  hallow'd  prayers  bestow 
The  gift  of  immortality  below — 
Could  thousands'  sighs  and  tears,  that  ceaseless  roll, 
Call  from  the  shores  of  bliss  the  angelic  soul — 
(Though  the  bold  wish  be  impious  deemed,  and  vain) 
Death  ne'er  had  reach'd  him — or,  he'd  live  again. 

But  fate's  decrees,  irrevocably  just, 
Doom'd  his  frail  body  to  the  mingling  dust; 
15 


170  NAVAL    SONGS. 

In  yon  cold  deep  it  finds  unwaked  repose, 

Far  from  the  embrace  of  friends,  or  reach  of  foes, 

Till  the  last  trumpet's  loud  eternal  roar 

Call  forth  its  millions  from  the  sea  and  shore  : 

Nor,  till  the  final  blast  and  awful  day, 

Shall  that  brave  soul  reanimate  its  clay. 


82  THE  MEMORY  OF  COMMODORE  PREBLE. 
1807. 

While  War,  fierce  monster,  stain'd  with  guiltless 
blood, 
Roars,  threats,  and  rages  round  the  infuriate  flood, 
While  hostile  Britons  murdering  fleets  employ 
To  infest  our  harbours  and  our  ships  destroy; 
Impress  our  tars  in  their  inglorious  cause, 
In  base  defiance  of  all  nation's  laws: 
When  each  bold  veteran,  in  his  country's  name, 
Is  call'd  to  save  her  freedom  and  her  fame ; 
When  few,  whose  bravery  and  whose  nautic  skill 
Can  duly  execute  her  sovereign  will ; 
What  sighs  of  sorrow  waft  from  shore  to  shore, 
With  these  sad  tidings — "  Preble  is  no  more  !" 

Erst  when  mad  Tripoli,  in  prowess  vain, 
With  her  rapacious  corsairs  block'd  the  main ; 
Pour'd  round  our  ships  in  predatory  swarms, 
With  purple  banners  and  audacious  arms — 
Our  neutral  cargoes  plunder'd  on  the  waves, 
And  made  our  free-born  citizens  her  slaves  : 
When  our  late  frigate  groan'd  upon  the  shoals, 
So  deeply  freighted  with  three  hundred  soul6, 


NAVAL    SONGS.  171 

Who  sigh'd  in  durance  till  yon  lamp  of  night 
Full  twenty  changes  had  renevv'd  its  light, 
'Twas  Preble  first  that  dauntless  squadron  led 
Where  Somers  perish'd,  and  Decatur  bled; 
Where  Wadsworth,  Israel,  met  in  death  their  fate 
With  kindred  martyrs  full  as  brave  and  great ; 
'Twas  Preble  first  those  barbarous  pirates  show'd 
Justice  was  all  the  tribute  that  we  owed  ; 
And  proved,  that  when  Columbia  vengeance  bears, 
'Tis  naught  but  mercy  that  the  victim  spares. 

Our  Preble's  cause  even  Heaven  itself  might  own, 
In  heaven  'tis  cherish'd,  and  through  earth  'tis  known : 
It  charms  their  numbers,  and  it  tunes  their  lyres — 
In  heaven  'tis  warbled  from  enraptured  choirs  : 
The  cause  of  Freedom,  dear  to  him  who  knows 
The  adverse  horrors,  and  the  poignant  woes 
Of  slavery,  dungeons,  hunger,  stripes,  and  chains, 
With  dismal  prospects  of  augmented  pains. 
To  free  the  captive,  noble,  generous  deed, 
Who  would  not  swear  to  fight,  and  sigh  to  bleed  1 
To  free  the  captive,  Preble  winged  his  aid, 
And  more  firm  valour  never  was  display'd, 
When  round  our  prison's  solitary  walls 
Burst  the  dread   meteor  bomb-shells — shower'd  the 

balls. 
Our  hearts  for  liberty  or  death  beat  high ; 
And  who  for  freedom  would  not  wish  to  die  1 
To  him  we  look'd,  on  him  our  hopes  relied, 
The  friend  of  seamen,  and  the  seaman's  pride  : 
To  him  we  look'd,  and  righteous  Heaven  implored 
To  speed  the  vengeance  of  his  slaughtering  sword : 


172  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Nor  is  he  now,  though  vain  his  efforts  proved, 
The  less  lamented,  or  the  less  beloved ; 
But  each  late  captive,  year  succeeding  year, 
Will  bless  his  memory,  and  his  name  revere. 

Yes,  gallant  chief!  though  virtuous,  just,  and  brave. 
Thine  is  the  lot  of  man — the  dreary  grave  ! 
With  heroes  sainted,  who  have  gone  before, 
Like  them  we  prized  thee,  and  like  them  deplore. 
And  though  thine  arm,  of  Barbary  once  the  dread, 
Lies  cold  and  withered  midst  the  unconscious  dead, 
Unfading  laurels  at  thy  name  shall  bloom, 
Spring  from  thy  dust  and  flourish  round  thy  tomb. 

Lamented  chief!  though  death  be  calmly  past, 
Our  navy  trembled  when  he  breath'd  his  last ! 
Our  navy  mourns  him,  but  it  mourns  in  vain  : 
A  Preble  ne'er  will  live — ne'er  die  again  ! 
Yet  hope,  desponding,  at  the  thought  revives; 
A  second  Preble — a  Decatur  lives ! 
His  worth,  his  merit,  well  are  understood, 
His  hand  is  skilful,  and  his  heart  is  good. 
Bold  shall  he  chase  yon  demons  of  the  wave, 
For  all  who  know  him,  know  him  to  be  brave. 

To  him  Columbia  casts  her  streaming  eyes, 
Wipes  their  free  torrent,  and  suspends  her  sighs. 


S3     ENTERPRISE  OF  LIEUT.  SOMERS.— 1804. 
Towards  Afric's  coast  the  wind  did  blow, 
All  hearts  were  warm'd  by  valour's  glow, 
And  eager  to  chastise  the  foe 

For  acts  of  daring  robbery. 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

Lo !  Somers  launch'd  upon  the  main, 
With  ten  bold  seamen  in  his  train, 
Tripoli's  port  resolved  to  gain, 

And  mar  each  wall  and  battery. 

Forward  they  press'd  on  ocean's  wave — 
(Wadsworth  was  there,  and  Israel,  brave!) 
Nor  thought  of  danger,  nor  a  grave : 

Their  thoughts  were  on  the  enemy. 

The  bark  that  sped  them  to  the  shore 
Of  strong  gunpowder  had  a  store, 
And  bomb-shells  too  she  likewise  bore — 
Dread  instruments  of  misery  ! 

As  to  the  port  they  closely  drew, 
The  enemy  appear'd  in  view  ; 
Two  boats  approach'd,  with  each  a  crew 
Of  fifty  sons  of  Tripoli. 

In  haste  they  board — see  Somers  stand, 
Determined,  cool,  form'd  to  command, 
The  match  of  death  in  his  right  hand, 
Scorning  a  life  of  slavery. 

And  now,  behold  !  the  match  applied, 
The  mangled  foe  the  welkin  ride : — 
Whirling  aloft,  brave  Somers  cried, 

"  A  glorious  death  or  liberty  !" 

The  volleying  bomb-shells  fierce  were  driven 
Impetuous  through  the  vault  of  Heaven, 
And  infidels,  by  terror  riven, 

With  shrieks  rent  heaven's  canopy. 
15* 


174  NAVAL    SONGS. 

The  bashaw  from  his  castle  fled, 
The  bomb-shells  thundering  o'er  his  head, 
Whilst,  strew'd  along,  the  countless  dead 
Lay  prone  on  earth  in  agony. 

And  fiercer  vengeance  still  shall  flow 
Upon  the  faithless,  guilty  foe, 
When  Barron  with  his  fleet  shall  go, 
And  storm  that  den  of  roguery. 

Then  will  our  cannon,  spouting  balls, 
In  ruins  lay  their  castle's  walls, 
Whilst,  wrapp'd  in  flames,  each  mansion  falls, 
And  women  sue  for  clemency. 

Columbians!  that  will  be  the  hour 
With  mercy  so  to  temper  power, 
That  Virtue  shall  not  on  you  lour 
An  eye  that  looks  severity. 

And  then  shall  Bainbridge  once  again 
Recross,  in  liberty,  the  main, 
Freed,  with  his  crew,  from  galling  chain. 
And  dungeon's  gloomy  tenantry. 


84  DECATUR'S  VICTORY.—  181S. 

Arise  !  arise  !  Columbia's  sons,  arise  ! 

And  join  in  the  shouts  of  the  patriotic  throng  ! 
Arise!  arise!  Columbia's  sons,  arise! 

And  let  Heaven's  walls  re-echo  with  your  song — 
For  Columbia's  genius,  victory  proclaiming. 
Flies  through  the  world,  our  rights  and  deeds  main- 
taining; 


NAVAL  SONGS.  175 

And  our  fame  at  Tripoli  recorded  still  shall  be, 
And  Decatur,  brave  Decatur's  name  remember'd  be 
with  joy. 
Huzza !  huzza !  huzza  !  huzza  !  huzza  !  boys, 
Mars  guards  for  us  what  we  did  independent 
gain. 
Huzza!  huzza!  huzza!  huzza!  huzza!  boys, 
Columbia  still,  unrestrain'd,  sails  the  main. 

Haughty  and  proud,  the  tawny  sons  of  Tripoli 
Had  long  been  a  pest  to  our  independent  sailing ; 

And  vainly  thought  they  to  enslave  us  who  were  free, 
While  their  flag  waved  unfurl'd  o'er  the  main  : 

But  Decatur  soon  taught  them,  midst  all  their  peals  of 
thunder, 

To  Columbia's  flag  'twas  their  wisdom  to  surrender; 
And  their  frigate  in  a  flame,  gave  a  glory  to  his  name, 

And  laurels  graced  the  bosoms  of  Columbia's  fair. 
Huzza!  huzza!  huzza!  &c. 

In  Congress,  with  joy,  met  the  guardians  of  our  rights, 

Determined  to  give  to  merit  its  renown ; 
And   surrounded   their  brows,  which  the  hardy  tar 
requites, 
With  fair  Freedom's  and  a  famed  laurel  crown — 
And  the  loud  trump  of  Fame  o'er  earth  and  ocean 

sounding, 
With  Barron,  Preble,  Talbot,   and   Decatur's  name 
resounding : 
And  our  fame  at  Tripoli  recorded  still  shall  be, 
And  Freedom's  loving  choir  sing  the  glories  of  that  day. 

Huzza!  huzza!  huzza!  &c. 
Arise !  arise !  you  sprightly  sons  of  mirth, 
Receive  your  protectors  with  open  arms  returning ; 


176  NAVAL    SONGS. 

And  view  the  spoils  they  with  their  blood  have  bought, 
Columbia's  flag  waving  high  in  the  air. 

And  the  American  henceforward  shall  be  penn'd, 

A  terror  to  his  foe  and  an  honour  to  his  friend  ; 

From  the  scourge  of  Tripoli  our  children  shall  be  free, 

And  millions  unborn  shall  rejoice  in  our  fame. 
Huzza!  huzza!  huzza!  &c. 


85  THE  YOUTHFUL  SAILOR. 

BY  JOHN  D.  WOLFE,  JR. 

The  youthful  sailor  mounts  the  bark, 
And  bids  each  weeping  friend  adieu ; 

Fair  blows  the  gale,  the  canvass  swells; 
Slow  sinks  the  upland  from  his  view. 

Three  mornings,  from  his  ocean-bed, 
Resplendent  beams  the  god  of  day  ; 

The  fourth  high  looming  in  the  mist, 
A  war-ship's  flouting  banners  play. 

Her  yawl  is  launch'd  ;  light  o'er  the  deep, 
Too  kind,  she  wafts  a  ruffian  band ; 

Her  blue  track  lightens  to  the  bark, 
And  soon  on  deck  the  miscreants  stand. 

Around  they  throw  the  baleful  glance; 

Suspense  holds  mute  the  anxious  crew — 
Who  is  their  prey  ? — poor  sailor-boy  ! 

The  baleful  glance  is  fix'd  on  you. 

Nay,  why  that  useless  scrip  unfold  ? — 
They  damn  the  w  tying  Yankee  scrawl :" 

Torn  from  thine  hand,  it  strews  the  wave — 
They  force  thee  trembling  to  the  yawl. 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

Sick  was  thine  heart,  as  from  the  deck 
The  hand  of  friendship  waved  farewell; 

Mad  was  thy  brain,  as,  far  behind, 
In  the  gray  mist  thy  vessel  fell. 

One  hope,  yet,  to  thy  bosom  clung, 
The  captain  mercy  might  impart: 

Vain  were  that  hope,  which  bade  thee  look 
For  mercy  in  a  pirate's  heart. 

What  woes  can  man  on  man  inflict, 

When  malice  joins  with  uncheck'd  power! 

Such  woes,  unpitied,  and  unknown, 
For  many  a  month,  the  sailor  bore. 

Oft  gemm'd  his  eye  the  bursting  tear, 
As  memory  linger'd  on  past  joy  ; 

As  oft  they  flung  the  cruel  jeer, 

And  damn'd  the  "  chicken-liver'd  boy." 

When,  sick  at  heart,  with  "  hope  deferr'd," 
Kind  sleep  his  wasting  form  embraced, 

Some  ready  minion  plied  the  lash, 

And  the  loved  dream  of  freedom  chased. 

Fast  to  an  end  his  miseries  drew  ; 

The  deadly  hectic  flush'd  his  cheek; 
On  his  pale  brow  the  cold  dew  hung : 

He  sigh'd,  and  sunk  upon  the  deck ! 

The  sailor's  woes  drew  forth  no  sigh ; 
No  hand  would  close  the  sailor's  eye ; 
Remorseless,  his  pale  corpse  they  gave, 
Unshrouded,  to  the  friendly  wave. 


178  NAVAL    SONGS. 

And,  as  he  sunk  beneath  the  tide, 

A  hellish  shout  arose  ; 
Exultingly  the  demons  cried, 

"So  fare  all  Albion's  rebel  foes !" 


86  THE  TARS  OF  COLUMBIA. 

Ye  sons  of  Columbia,  the  trumpet  of  Fame 

Through   the  wide  world  your  actions  shall  loudly 

proclaim  : 
See  Liberty's  genius  in  triumph  arise, 
Recording  your  deeds  as  she  mounts  to  the  skies. 

Whilst  at  the  hostile   shore,  where   thundering 

cannons  roar, 
The  note  of  each  brave  tar,  each  brave  tar  shall  be, 
No  tribute !  but  glory,  we'll  die  or  be  free. 
The  brave  sons  of  Freedom,  who  fell  in  the  cause 
Supporting  our  rights,  independence,  and  laws; 
As  the  actions  of  heroes,  by  history  are  graced, 
First  shall  Somers,  Decatur,  and  Wadsworth  be  placed. 

Whilst  at  the  hostile  shore,  &c. 
See  Preble  exalted  !  a  monument  stand  ! 
Surrounded  by  heroes,  who,  under  his  command, 
On  Tripoli's  tyrant  their  vengeance  have  hurl'd, 
And  the  deeds  of  Columbians  resound  through  the 
world. 
Whilst  at  the  hostile  shore,  &c. 
May  Washington's  genius  our  country  defend, 
And  that  charter  maintain  which  Freedom  has  penn'd  ; 
But  should  tyranny  dare  our  rights  to  invade, 
By  our  tars  shall  the  daring  attempt  be  repaid. 
Whilst  at  the  hostile  shore,  &c. 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

87  THE  YANKEE  TAR 

When  engaged  on  the  ocean,  the  brave  YanKee  tar 
Reaps  the  laurels  of  fame  in  the  tug  of  the  war, 
With  patriot  ardour  inspired  when  he  fights, 
He  conquers  for  glory  and  maritime  rights. 

His  country's  flag  to  the  mast-head  he  nails, 
Where  it  gallantly  floats  to  the  favouring  gales ; 
While  serving  his  gun,  with  true  courage  he  glows 
And  defiance  he  bids  to  America's  foes. 

With  generous  feelings  his  bosom  is  stored, 
Fights  on  till  existence  is  gone  by  the  board  ; 
But,  the  enemy  conquer'd,  to  mercy  inclined, 
A  friend  in  the  brave  he  rejoices  to  find. 

Accomplish'd  the  cruise,  to  his  country  he  steers, 
High  swells  his  full  heart  as  his  Sally  he  nears, 
For  faithful  to  glory  and  love  are  our  tars, 
To  New  England's  honour,  their  stripes  and  their  stars. 


88  THE  IMPRESSED  AMERICAN. 

O !  who  can  conceive  how  acute  are  my  pains, 

How  my  bosom  with  anguish  is  torn, 
When  I  think,  with  regret,  on  those  dear  native  plains, 

Where  none  but  a  freeman  is  born  ? 

O  !  curse  on  those  fiends,  having  power  to  oppress, 

Who  wolf-like  can  prey  on  the  weak ; 
Who  deny  the  unfortunate  man  a  redress, 

And  permit  not  the  poor  man  to  speak. 


180  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Fell  Tyranny's  chains  now  unfetter  my  soul, 

As  rudely  I'm  toss'd  on  the  main; 
Fell  Tyranny's  mandate,  with  lawless  control, 

Plies  the  lash — dare  her  victims  complain] 

With  a  quick-beating-  heart,  while  constrained  I  toil, 
For  my  friends  and  my  country  I  mourn ; 

And  in  retrospect  trace  all  the  scenes  in  that  soil, 
Where  perhaps  I  shall  never  return. 

When  I  think  on  my  home,  on  my  wife,  and  my  child, 
That  would  cherub-like  spring  on  my  knee  ; 

My  brain  is  on  fire,  my  thoughts  are  as  wild 
As  the  storm-enraged  waves  of  the  sea. 

Away,  maddening  thoughts,  and  begone,  dark  Despair ! 

There's  a  Providence  ruling  on  high, 
Who  the  widow  and  orphan  takes  under  his  care, 

And  notes  each  oppress'd  man's  sigh. 


89  THE  APPEAL. 

Freedom's  sons,  awake  to  glory ; 

Bid  Columbia's  eagle  soar! 
Once  our  deeds  have  rung  in  story; 

Burns  the  patriot  flame  no  more  ? 
Shall  that  arm  which  haughty  Britain 

In  its  gristle  found  too  strong: 
That,  by  which  her  hosts  were  smitten, 

Shall  that  arm  be  palsied  long? 
See  our  sons  of  ocean  kneeling 

To  a  tyrant's  stripes  and  chains ! 
Partisan  !  hast  thou  no  feeling, 

When  the  hardy  tar  complains? 


NAVAL   SONGS. 

See  the  British  press-gang  seize  him, 

Victim  of  relentless  power! 
Stout  his  heart  is,  but  must  fail  him 

In  this  evil,  trying  hour! 

Wife  and  children  did  enfold  him, 
Ere  he  launch'd  upon  the  deep  : 

These  shall  ne'er  again  behold  him; 
These  are  left  alone  to  weep. 

Dragg'd  on  board  his  prison-dwelling — 
Snapp'd  the  cord  of  tender  ties  ! 

While  his  manly  heart  is  swelling, 
To  the  winds  he  gives  his  sighs. 

Sons  of  Freedom  !  rise  and  save  him  ; 

Snatch  him  from  the  tyrant's  power ; 
And  thy  country  then  shall  have  him, 

Friend  in  peril's  darkest  hour. 


90  SONS  OF  FREEDOM,  RISE ! 

Rise  !  sons  of  Freedom,  rise ! 
Swift  as  the  lightning  flies, 
Rush  to  the  ocean,  hear  our  brother  sighing 
Rush  to  the  ocean,  rescue  him  from  dying. 
Let  us  unite,  let  martial  songs 
Wake  us  to  feel  our  country's  wrongs. 
Let  independence  warm  the  soul — 
Proclaim  it  loud  from  pole  to  pole : 
Let  every  haughty  tyrant  know 
Each  son  of  Freedom  is  his  foe. 
16 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

Insulting  pirates  now  shall  feel 
Columbia's  arm  is  nerved  with  steel. 
Insulting  pirates  now  shall  feel 
Columbia's  arm  is  nerved  with  steel. 

O'er  Neptune's  wide  domain 

These  haughty  tyrants  reign, 
Pirates  and  robbers,  eager  all  for  plunder. 
Rouse,  then,  indignant !  hurl  on  them  your  thunder. 

Americans  !  no  longer  sleep, 

No  longer  cringe,  no  longer  creep ; 

Boldly  advance,  and  take  your  stand 

Defend  your  much-insulted  land  ; 

Mark  how  the  eagle  mounts  the  skies, 

Where  independent  spirits  rise. 

The  keen-eyed  eagle  points  the  way, 
And  Freedom's  sons  her  call  obey. 
The  keen-eyed  eagle  points  the  way, 
And  Freedom's  sons  her  call  obey. 

Wide  o'er  Columbia's  plain, 

Wide  o'er  the  watery  main, 
Let  the  loud  trumpet  wake  each  drooping  spirit; 
Rouse  to  defend  the  blessing  we  inherit. 

Brave  youth,  prepare,  these  dire  alarms 

Call  you  to  arms ;  to  arms  !  to  arms  ! 

Our  foes  advance — slaves  you  must  be, 

Or  proudly  stand  for  liberty  ; 

Those  foreign  tyrants  would  destroy 

That  heaven-born  freedom  we  enjoy. 
Invading  hordes  shall  die  accurst, 
Back  they  must  fly,  or  bite  the  dust. 
Invading  hordes  shall  die  accurst, 
Back  they  must  fly,  or  bite  the  dust. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  183 


91  EXERCISING  SHIR— 1803. 

Now  for  the  rock  our  warlike  frigate  bore, 

Nor  storms  were  felt  to  beat,  nor  heard  to  roar — 

"  Clear  ship  for  action !"  sounds  the  boatswain's  call ; 

"  Clear  ship  for  action  !"  his  three  mimics  bawl. 

Swift  round  the  decks  see  war's  dread  weapons  hurl'd, 

And  floating  ruins  strew  the  watery  world. 

"  All  hands  to  quarters  !"  fore  and  aft  resounds, 

Thrills  from  the  fife,  and  from  the  drum-head  bounds: 

From  crowded  hatchways  scores  on  scores  arise, 

Spring  up  the  shrouds,  and  vault  into  the  skies. 

Firm  at  his  quarters  each  bold  gunner  stands, 

The  death-fraught  lightning  flashing  from  his  hands. 

Touch'd  at  the  word,  tremendous  cannons  roar, 

The  waves  rush,  trembling,  to  the  viewless  shore. 

From  crackling  muskets  whizzing  balls  are  sent, 

And,  darting,  pierce  the  liquid  element. 

The  fearful  nations  of  the  deep  below 

Fly  the  dire  signals  of  impending  wo; 

Air's  wild  inhabitants  in  clouds  convene, 

And  wing,  impetuous,  from  the  frightful  scene. 

Men  seek  the  spoils  of  the  eventful  fight : 

Lo  !  not  an  enemy  nor  sail  in  sight — 

What  then  1  must  poets  ne'er  record  a  deed, 

Nor  sing  a  battle  but  when  thousands  bleed  ? 

Can  naught  but  blood  and  carnage  yield  delight1? 

Or  mangled  carcasses  regale  the  sight  ? 

Which  shows  more  godlike,  men  to  save— or  kill  * 

Their  sweat  by  exercise,  or  blood  to  spill  1 

Which  sounds  more  grateful  to  the  man  humane. 

To  hear  of  hundreds'  health,  or  hundreds  slain  ? 


184  NAVAL    SONGS. 

No  blood  here  flows,  no  hero's  dying  groans, 
No  squadrons  vanquish'd,  and  no  broken  bones  ; 
But  each  more  eager  to  the  grog-tub  ran, 
Than  when  the  foeless  contest  first  began. 

Still  on  our  course,  the  Western  Isles  we  past, 
And  famed  Gibraltar  heaves  in  sight  at  last: 
Close  in  we  stood,  at  our  commander's  word, 
The  harbour  entered,  and  the  frigate  moor'd. 
View'd  from  the  ship,  what  prospects  here  arise ! 
The  rock's  bold  summit,  towering  to  the  skies, 
Roll'd  in  eternal  clouds,  through  time  has  stood, 
Nods,  threats,  and  frowns  terrific  on  the  flood ! 
To  guard  the  fortress,  and  the  port  command, 
Round  its  wall'd  base  repulsive  batteries  stand : 
Rows  above  rows,  huge  cannon  wide  extend, 
And  groves  of  muskets  glittering  terrors  blend. 
But  flowery  gardens  soon  relieve  the  sight, 
And,  side  by  side,  lie  horror  and  delight. 


92  YANKEE  TARS. 

The  following  song  was  composed  by  Dr.  Darlington,  one 
of  the  representatives  in  Congress  from  Pennsylvania,  and 
sung  by  him  at  the  dinner  given  by  the  delegation  from  that 
state,  to  Commodore  Decatur  and  Captain  Stewart,  at 
Washington,  on  the  8th  of  January,  1816. 
Tune — "Mrs.  Casey." 

Whene'er  the  tyrants  of  the  main 
Assault  Columbian  seamen, 

They'll  find  them  ready  to  maintain 
The  noble  name  of  "  freemen." 
Then  toast  the  brave,  for  they  will  save 
Columbia's  fame  from  sinking; 


NAVAL    SONGS.  185 

The  honour'd  scars  of  Yankee  tars 
Are  glorious  themes  for  drinking. 

Too  long  our  tars  have  borne,  in  peace, 

With  British  domineering  : 
But  now  they've  sworn  the  trade  shall  cease — 

For  vengeance  they  are  steering. 
Then  toast,  &c. 

First  gallant  Hull,  he  was  the  lad 

Who  sail'd  a  tyrant-hunting; 
And  swaggering  Dacres  soon  was  glad 

To  strike  to  "striped  bunting." 

>        Then  toast,  &c. 

Intrepid  Jones  next  boldly  sought 

The  demons  of  oppression  : 
With  a  superior  force  he  fought, 

And  gave  the  knaves  a  threshing. 
Then  toast,  &c. 

Then  quickly  met  our  nation's  eyes 

The  noblest  sight  in  nature — 
A  first-rate  frigate,  as  a  prize, 

Brought  in  by  brave  Decatur. 
Then  toast,  &c. 

The  veteran  Bainbridge  next  prepared 

To  wield  his  country's  thunder  : 
In  quest  of  foes  he  boldly  steer'd, 

And  drove  the  Java  under. 
Then  toast,  &c. 

And  daring  Lawrence  next  parades : 
From  zone  to  zone  he  sought  'em  : 
16* 


186  NAVAL    SONGS. 

One  boasting  Briton  he  blockades, 
And  sends  one  to  the  bottom. 
Then  toast,  &c. 

Next  see  our  gallant  Enterprise ! 

How  nobly  ocean  rocks  her ! 
There  Burrows  for  his  country  dies, 

But  first  subdues  the  Boxer. 
Then  toast,  &c. 

With  loud  applauses  next  we  greet 
The  glorious  news  from  Erie : 

Behold  !  a  powerful  British  fleet 
Submits  to  gallant  Perry. 
Then  toast,  &c. 

Then  Warrington,  his  country's  pride, 
Sails  boldly  forth  to  serve  her ; 

And,  quickly  humbled  by  his  side, 
We  see  the  fierce  Epervier. 


From  noble  Blakely's  dauntless  force 
His  vanquish'd  foes  in  vain  steer  ; 

For  he  could  stop  the  Avon's  course, 
And  overhaul  the  Reindeer  ! 
Then  toast,  kc. 

M'Donough,  hero  of  Champlain, 
Next  proved,  that  British  seamen 

With  Yankee  tars  contend  in  vain — 
Because  those  tars  are  freemen. 
Then  toast,  &c. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  187 

With  "  Ironsides"  brave  Stewart  slips 

To  sea  on  her  third  cruise,  sir, 
And,  tired  of  flogging  single  ships, 

She  drubs  them  now  by  twos,  sir. 
Then  toast,  &c. 

The  Penguin  next,  with  her  bold  crew, 
Thought  she  to  strike  would  scorn  it : 

She  sought  a  Wasp — but  found,  in  lieu, 
Our  Biddle  and  his  «  Hornet." 
Then  toast,  &c. 

Our  Yankee  tars  to  Afric's  shore 

Our  heroes,  lastly,  led  'em — 
And  Turkish  banners  bow  before 

The  starry  flag  of  Freedom. 
Then  toast,  &c. 
Come,  push  the  flowing  bowl  around, 

And  in  Columbia's  story 
Long  may  such  gallant  names  abound, 

To  vindicate  her  glory. 
Then  toast,  &c. 


93  DEATH  OR  VICTORY— 1814. 

Brave  warrior  of  old  ocean, 

Columbian  heroes,  hail ! 
"Whose  vengeance  speaks  in  thunder  deep, 

Whose  valour  swells  the  gale ; 
Again — again  to  conquest !  on ! 

The  star-girt  flag  let  fly; 
For  the  foe  onward  go, 

'Tis  to  death  or  victory. 


188  NAVAL    SONGS. 

The  spirit  of  Columbia 

Shall  ne'er  in  chains  be  thrall'd  : 
'Fore  the  terrors  of  her  lightning  front 

The  foe  shall  shrink  appall'd. 
Her  sons,  in  freedom  strongly  nerved, 

Shall  tyrant  worlds  defy  : 
Midst  the  storms  of  their  arms, 

They'll  find  death  or  victory. 

See!  see  the  glorious  vanguard, 

With  pendant  blue  unfurl'd  ; 
Hesperia's  banner'd  eagle  waves 

Defiance  to  the  world  : 
Tells,  when  their  country  calls  to  arms, 

How  freemen  dare  to  die. 
At  her  call  they  will  fall, 

Or  find  glorious  victory. 

Though  towering  o'er  each  billow 

The  tyrant  foe  appear; 
Though  wide  his  thousand  streamers  wave, 

And  proudly  flout  the  air — 
Yet,  freemen,  on  !  midst  storm,  midst  fire, 

Ye  conquer,  or  ye  die  ! 
From  the  grave  of  the  brave 

Springs  our  country's  liberty. 

Thrice  and  thrice  dark  lowering, 

The  foeman  gives  his  front; 
And  thrice  and  thrice  Columbia's  tars 

Loud  hail  the  battle's  brunt. 
And  thrice  and  thrice  our  eagle  soars 

Triumphantly  on  high  : 
Whilst  the  deep  wakes  his  sleep, 

At  our  shouts  of  victory. 


NAVAL   SONGS. 

Come  on,  confederate  tyrants ! 

Come  try  what  freemen  dare ; 
In  liberty's  almighty  cause 

They  scorn — they  know  not  fear. 
While  iron  tempests  raging  beat, 

Their  standard  star  shall  fly ; 
To  the  brave  it  shall  wave 

On  to  death  or  victory ! 

Ye  sacred  sires !  whose  spirits 

Still  guard  your  country's  weal : 
Lo !  o'er  the  wave-repelling  deck 

Your  sons  embattled  kneel. 
By  your  blood  which  flow'd  we,  bending,  swear, 

"Freemen  we'll  live  or  die." 
Midst  the  storms  of  our  arms 

We'll  find  death  or  victory. 


94  SIEGE  OF  PLATTSBURGH, 

As  sung  at  the  theatre  at  Albany,  in  the  character  of  a  negro 

sailor. 

Tune — "Boyne  Water." 

Back  side  Albany  stan'  Lake  Champlain, 

Little  pond,  half  full  a'  water, 
Plat-te-burg  dare  too,  close  pon  de  main ; 
Town  small — he  grow  bigger,  do',  herearter. 

On  lake  Champlain 

Uncle  Sam  set  he  boat, 
And  Massa  M'Donough,  he  sail  'em; 

While  General  Macomb 

Make  Plat-te-burg  he  home, 
Wid  de  army,  who  courage  nebber  fail  'em. 


190  NAVAL    SONGS. 

On  'lebenth  day  of  Sep-tem-ber, 

In  eighteen  hund'ed  and  fourteen, 
Gubbener  Probose,  an  he  British  sojer, 
Come  to  Plat-te-burg  a  tea-party  courtin  : 

An  he  boat  come  too 

Arter  Uncle  Sam  boat: 
Massa  Donough  do  look  sharp  out  de  winder. 

Den  Gen'ral  Macomb 

(Ah  !  he  always  a-home — ) 
Catch  fire,  too,  jiss  like  a  tinder. 

Bang!  bang!  bang!  den  de  cannons  gin  to  roar 

In  Plat-te-burg,  and  all  'bout  dat  quarter; 
Gubbener  Probose  try  he  hand  'pon  de  shore, 
While  he  boat  take  he  luck  'pon  de  water. 

But  Massa  M'Donough 

Knock  he  boat  in  he  head, 
Break  he  heart,  broke  he  shin,  'tove  he  caff  in, 

And  Gen'ral  Macomb 

Start  ole  Probose  home — 
Tot  me  soul  den,  I  mus  die  a  laffin. 

Probose  scare  so,  he  lef  all  behine, 

Powder,  ball,  cannon,  tea-pot  an  kittle — 

Some  say  he  cotch  a  cole — trouble  in  he  mine, 

Cause  he  eat  so  much  raw  an  cole  vittle. 

Uncle  Sam  berry  sorry, 

To  be  sure,  for  he  pain ; 
Wish  he  nuss  heself  up  well  an  hearty — 

For  Gen'ral  Macomb 

And  Massa  Donough  home, 
When  he  notion  for  anudder  tea-party. 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

95        THE  SEVEN  NAVAL  VICTORIES. 

John  Bull,  in  a  passion,  once  stoutly  resolved 
That  he'd  settle  accounts,  in  dispute  long  involved  : 
For  John  had  found  out  by  his  books,  it  appears, 
That  Jonathan  owed  him  a  grudge  for  some  years. 
Derry  down,  &c. 

This  Jonathan  was  a  great  dealer  in  ware, 
Who  imported  the  notions  that  Johnny  could  spare; 
Whom  he  thought  his  best  friend,  until  time  had  be- 
tray'd 
He'd  deceived  him  in  orders,  in  counsel,  and  trade. 
Derry  down,  &c. 

When  John  first  came  out  in  a  warrior's  attire, 
His  crest  triple-plumed,  his  mouth  foaming  with  ire; 
He  challenged  his  customer  boldly  to  fight, 
To  prove  by  a  combat  his  balance  was  right. 
Derry  down,  &c. 

Friend  Jonathan  was  not  a  lover  of  strife, 
He  loved  money  well,  but  much  better  his  life ; 
And  John  vainly  thought  he  had  not  to  do  more 
Than  to  kick  and  to  cuff  him  as  oft  he'd  before, 
Derry  down,  &c. 

When  Jonathan  heard  of  John's  bluster,  the  while, 
His  anger  was  kindled,  his  blood  it  did  boil  : 
Quoth  he,  "  Mr.  Bull,  I'll  soon  make  it  appear 
You  have  taken  this  time  the  wrong  sow  by  the  ear." 
Derry  down,  &c. 

The  battle  commenced  and  with  fury  was  tried; 
Whilst  John  on  his  skill  and  experience  relied, 


192  NAVAL    SONGS. 


Poor  Johnny,  untutor'd,  on  bottom  did  rest, 
He'd  a  strong  Constitution — his  pluck  was  the  best. 
Derry  down,  &c. 

John  sparr'd  at  a  distance,  right  sure  of  success, 
Till  Jonathan  closed  with  a  furious  press ; 
And,  breaking  one  half  of  his  ribs  at  a  blow, 
In  forty-five  minutes,  John  cried,  "  Stop,  HulI-0  !" 
Derry  down,  &c. 

The  battle  concluded,  John  scarcely  could  rest, 
His  feelings  were  wounded,  his  spirits  depress'd; 
So,  says  he,  "By  the  way  of  drowning  all  pain, 
I'll  get  drunk  in  a  Frolic,  and  fight  him  again." 
Derry  down,  &c. 

This  insolent  threat,  under  shameful  defeat, 
Raised  Jonathan's  choler,  and  Jonathan's  feet ; 
Like  a  Wasp  he  flew  at  him,  and,  changing  his  tones, 
John  cried  out  peccavi  to  old  Davy  Jones. 
Derry  down,  &c. 

John  having  revived  from  his  desperate  wo, 
And  gaining  fresh  courage  from  every  fresh  blow ; 
Macedonian  madness,  like  Aleck  the  great, 
Involved  him  in  wars — in  black  eyes — broken  pate. 
Derry  down,  &c. 

For  John,  in  the  course  of  the  rolling  of  time, 
Had  changed  his  retirement,  his  country  and  clime; 
And  in  the  United  States  was  again  met 
By  Jonathan,  who  drubb'd  him  into  a  sweat. 
Derry  down,  &c. 

John,  stung  with  disaster  and  threefold  disgrace, 
In  India's  fair  climes  sought  for  safety  and  peace; 


NAVAL    SONGS.  193 

But  Jonathan  chanced  to  go  there  in  pursuit, 

He  met  him  in  Java,  and  flogg'd  him  to  boot. 

Derry  down,  &c. 

John,  finding  that  he  had  to  do  with  a  wight 
Who  was  too  much  his  match  in  a  rough  fisty  fight; 
Resolved  a  few  lessons  to  learn,  ere  'twas  late, 
At  Crib's  or  at  Molineux's  next  royal  bait. 
Derry  down,  &c. 

Now  John,  who  for  boasting  could  ne'er  be  outdone, 
Had  a  bird  which,  for  splendour,  would  rival  the  sun : 
A  bird  which,  he  said,  that,  when  pitted  to  fight, 
Was  as  certain  of  conquest  as  valorous  knight. 
Deny  down,  &c. 

His  Peacock  he  placed  in  the  care  of  a  friend, 
But,  the  bird  being  silly,  soon  came  to  its  end : 
For,  approaching  too  near  to  a  dangerous  nest, 
A  Hornet  attacked  and  soon  buzz'd  him  to  rest. 
Derry  down,  &c. 

Jack  having  acquired  the  pugical  art, 
And  priding  himself  on  his  muscles  and  heart; 
Left  home  in  the  character,  novel  and  rare, 
Of  a  Boxer  profess'd  in  the  "  art  railitaire." 
Derry  down,  &c. 

When  Jonathan  saw  him  first  flourish  his  fists, 
The  gauntlet  was  thrown,  and  they  enter'd  the  lists, 
For  Jonathan's  Enterprise  boldly  defies 
Broken  ribs,  bloody  nose,  or  a  pair  of  black  eyes. 
Derry  down,  &c. 

The  ring  was  now  form'd — the  first  round  was  severe ; 
John  dealt  his  opponent  a  blow  on  the  ear, 
17 


194  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Which  had  well  nigh  proved  fatal  to  Johnny,  alack ! 
Had  he  not  been  supported  by  friends  at  his  back. 
Derry  down.  &c. 

The  second  round  alter'd  the  state  of  the  fight; 

John  was  knock'd  down  in  turn,  and  the  dust  made  to 

bite, 
Which  decided,  right  quickly,  the  fate  of  the  day, 
For  John  cried  "  enough,"  and  was  straight  led  away. 
Derry  down,  &c. 

To  Jonathan's  carried,  his  wounds  were  bound  up, 
And  John,  when  recruited,  requested  a  sup 
Of  cider  or  whisky,  his  strength  to  repair, 
So  Jonathan  gave  him  the  "juice  of  a  pear." 
Derry  down,  &c. 

The  taste  of  the  liquor  well  pleased  Mr.  Bull, 
Who,  having  quaff'd  potently,  till  he  was  full, 
In  a  style  of  importance  turn'd  round  to  his  host. 
And  told  him  he'd  take  all  his  Perry  at  cost. 
Derry  down,  &c. 

Now  Jonathan  was  a  right  humorous  wag; 
He  order'd  the  liquor — the'jug  did  not  flag; 
And  John  got  his  dose  of  the  exquisite  stuff; 
For  the  Perry  o'ercame  him — he  cried  "  I've  enough  ! 
Derry  down,  &c. 


f 


When  John  became  sober  and  thought  of  his  state, 
Says  he,  "  Chance  is  against  me,  as  well  as  my  fate  : 
I've  been  seven  times  conquer'd,  and  now  I  at  length 
Think  it  time  to  walk  off,  to  recover  my  strength." 
Derry  down,  kc. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  195 

96     BROTHER  JONATHAN'S  EPISTLE  TO 
JOHNNY  BULL.— 1814. 

0,  Johnny  Bull,  ray  joe,  John,  I  wonder  what  you 

mean  1 
Are  you  on  foreign  conquest  hent,  or  what  ambitious 

scheme  1 
Ah!    list  to  brother  Jonathan,  your  fruitless   plans 

forego ; 
Remain  on  your  fast-anchor'd  isle,  0  Johnny  Bull, 

my  joe. 

O,  Johnny  Bull,  my  joe,  John,  don't  come  across  the 

main  ; 
Our  fathers  bled  and  suffer'd,  John,  our  freedom  to 

maintain ; 
And  him  who  in  the  cradle,  John,  repell'd  the  ruthless 

foe, 
Provoke  not,  when  to  manhood  grown,  O  Johnny  Bull, 

my  joe. 

0,  Johnny  Bull,  my  joe,  John,  you've  proud  and 

haughty  grown ; 
The  ocean  is  a  highway,  which  you  falsely  call  your 

own  : 
And  Columbia's  sons  are  valiant,  John,  nor  fear  to 

face  the  foe, 
And  never  yield  to  equal  force,  0  Johnny  Bull,  my 

joe. 

O,  Johnny  Bull,  my  joe,  John,  your  Peacocks  keep  at 

home, 
And  ne'er  let  British  seamen  in  a  Frolic  hither  come, 


196  NAVAL    SONGS. 

For  we've  Hornets,  and  we've  Wasps,  John,  who, 

as  you  doubtless  know, 
Carry  stingers  in  their  tails,  0  Johnny  Bull,  my  joe. 

When  I  name  our  naval  heroes,  John,  0 !  hear  old 

England's  groans : 
There's  Bainbridge,  Porter,  Blakely,  Decatur,  Hull, 

and  Jones; 
And  while  for  gallant  Lawrence  our  grateful   tears 

shall  flow, 
We  never  will  give  up  the  ship,  0  Johnny  Bull,  my  joe. 

O,  Johnny  Bull,  my  joe,  John,  on  Erie's  distant  shore 
See  how  the  battle  rages,  and  loud  the  cannons  roar; 
But  Perry  taught  our  seamen  to  crush  the  assailing  foe — 
He  met,  and  made  them  ours,  O  Johnny  Bull,  my  joe. 

O,  Johnny  Bull,  my  joe,  John,  behold  on  Lake  Cham- 
plain, 

With  more  than  equal  force,  John,  you  tried  your  fist 
again : 

But  the  cock  saw  how 't  was  going,  and  cried  "  cock- 
a-doodle-doo," 

And  Macdonough  was  victorious,  0  Johnny  Bull,  my 
joe! 

Your  soldiers  on  the  land,  John,  on  that  eventful  day, 

Mark'd  the  issue  of  the  conflict,  and  then  they  ran 
away  : 

And  Macomb  would  have  Burgoyn'd,  John,  your  Go- 
vernor Prevost ; 

But,  ah !  he  was  too  nimble,  0  Johnny  Bull,  my  joe. 

0,  Johnny  Bull,  my  joe,  John,  in  night  attacks  and  day. 
We  drove  you  from  Fort  Erie — flogg'd  you  at  Chip- 
peway : 


NAVAL   SONGS.  197 

There's  Porter,  Brown  and  Ripley,  Scott  and  Gaines  to 

face  the  foe, 
And  they  use  the  bayonet  freely,  0,  Johnny  Bull,  my 

joe. 

What  though  at  Washington,  a  base  marauding  band 
Our  monuments  of  art,  John,  destroy'd  with  ruthless 

hand  : 
O,  it  was  a  savage  warfare,  John,  beneath  a  generous 

foe, 
And  brings  the  most  disgrace  on  you,  0  Johnny  Bull, 

my  joe. 

0,  Johnny  Bull,  my  joe,  John,  don't  send  your  Coch- 
rane o'er, 

Few  places  are  assailable,  on  this  our  native  shore  : 

And  we'll  leave  our  homes  and  friends,  John,  and 
crush  the  reptile  foe 

That  dares  pollute  our  native  soil,  O  Johnny  Bull,  my 
joe. 

O,  Johnny  Bull,  my  joe,  John,  when  all  your  schemes 

had  fail'd, 
To  wipe  away  the  stigma,  John,  for  New  Orleans  you 

sail'd  : 
But  heavier  woes  await  thee,  John,  for  Jackson  meets 

the  foe, 
Who's  name  and  fame's  immortal,  0  Johnny  Bull,  my 

joe! 

0,  Johnny  Bull,  my  joe,  John,  your  Packenham's  no 

more : 
The  blood  of  your  invincibles  crimsons  our  native 

shore  : 

17* 


198  NAVAL    SONGS. 

No  Hampton  scenes  are  here,  John,  to  greet  a  savage 

foe, 
Nor  booty — no,  nor  beauty,  0  Johnny  Bull,  my  joe. 

0,  Johnny  Bull,  my  joe,  John,  your  heroes  keep  at 

home; 
In  high  spirits  they  come  hither,  but  they're  carried 

back  in  rum. 
You  say  your  sons  are  valiant,  John  :  I  grant  they 

may  be  so  : 
But  more  valiant  are  our  Yankee  boys,  0,  Johnny  Bull, 

my  joe. 

Your    schemes  to  gather  laurels  here,  I  guess  were 

badly  plann'd  : 
We   have   whipp'd   you  on   the  ocean,  John,  we've 

thresh'd  you  on  the  land  : 
Then  hie  thee  to  old  England,  John,  your  fruitless 

plans  forego, 
And  stick  to  thy  fast-anchor'd  isle,  0,  Johnny  Bull, 

my  joe. 


97  BATTLE  OF  PLATTSBURG. 

Tune — "Maggy  Lauder." 

Sir  George  Prevost,  with  all  his  host, 

March'd  forth  from  Montreal,  sir, 
Both  he  and  they  as  blithe  and  gay 

As  going  to  a  ball,  sir. 
The  troops  he  chose  were  all  of  those 

That  conquer'd  Marshal  Soult,  sir; 
Who  at  Garonne  (the  fact  is  known) 

Scarce  brought  them  to  a  halt,  sir. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  199 

With  troops  like  these,  he  thought  with  ease 

To  crush  the  Yankee  faction  : 
His  only  thought  was  how  he  ought 

To  bring  them  into  action. 
"Your  very  names,"  Sir  George  exclaims, 

"  Without  a  gun  or  bayonet, 
Will  pierce  like  darts  through  Yankee  hearts* 

And  all  their  spirits  stagnate. 
"  0 !  how  I  dread  lest  they  have  fled 

And  left  their  puny  fort,  sir, 
For  sure  Macomb  won't  stay  at  home, 

T'  afford  us  any  sport,  sir. 
Good  bye  !"  he  said  to  those  that  stay'd  : 

"  Keep  close  as  mice  or  rats  snug : 
We'll  just  run  out  upon  a  scout, 

To  burn  the  town  of  Plattsburg." 
Then  up  Champlain  with  might  and  main 

He  march'd,  in  dread  array,  sir ; 
With  fife  and  drum  to  scare  Macomb, 

And  drive  him  quite  away,  sir. 
And,  side  by  side,  their  nation's  pride 

Along  the  current  beat,  sir : 
Sworn  not  to  sup  till  they  ate  up 

M'Donough  and  his  fleet,  sir. 

Still  onward  came  these  men  of  fame, 

Resolved  to  give  "  no  quarter  :" 
But  to  their  cost  found  at  last 

That  they  had  caught  a  Tartar. 
At  distant  shot  a  while  they  fought, 

By  water  and  by  land,  sir  : 
His  knightship  ran  from  man  to  man, 

And  gave  his  dread  command,  sir. 


200  NAVAL    SONGS. 

"Britons,  strike  home!  this  dog  Macomb— 

So  well  the  fellow  knows  us — 
Will  just  as  soon  jump  o'er  the  moon 

As  venture  to  oppose  us. 
With  quick  despatch  light  every  match, 

Man  every  gun  and  swivel, 
Cross  in  a  crack  the  Saranac, 

And  drive  'em  to  the  devil." 

The  Vermont  ranks  that  lined  the  banks, 

Then  poised  the  unerring  rifle, 
And  to  oppose  their  haughty  foes 

They  found  a  perfect  trifle. 
Meanwhile  the  fort  kept  up  such  sport, 

They  thought  the  devil  was  in  it; 
Their  mighty  train  play'd  off  in  vain — 

'Twas  silenced  in  a  minute. 

Sir  George,  amazed,  so  wildly  gazed. 

Such  frantic  gambols  acted, 
Of  all  his  men,  not  one  in  ten 

But  thought  him  quite  distracted. 
He  cursed  and  swore,  his  hair  he  tore, 

Then  jump'd  upon  his  poney, 
And  gallopp'd  oft'  towards  the  bluff, 

To  look  for  Captain  Downie. 

But  when  he  spied  M'Donough  ride, 

In  all  the  pomp  of  glory, 
He  hasten'd  back  to  Saranac, 

To  tell  the  dismal  story  : 
"  My  gallant  crews — 0 !  shocking  news — 

Are  all  or  killed  or  taken  ! 
Except  a  few  that  just  withdrew 

In  time  to  save  their  bacon. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  201 

"Old  England's  pride  must  now  subside. 

0  !  how  the  news  will  shock  her, 
To  have  her  fleet  not  only  beat, 

But  sent  to  Davy's  locker. 
From  this  sad  day  let  no  one  say 

Britannia  rules  the  ocean : 
We've  dearly  bought  the  humbling  thought, 

That  this  is  all  a  notion. 

"  With  one  to  ten  I'd  fight  'gainst  men, 

But  these  are  Satan's  legions, 
With  malice  fraught,  come  piping  hot 

From  Pluto's  darkest  regions  ! 
Helas  !  mon  Dieu  !  what  shall  I  dol 

1  smell  the  burning  sulphur — 
Set  Britain's  isle  all  rank  and  file, 

Such  men  would  soon  engulf  her. 

"That's  full  as  bad— 0  !  I'll  run  mad  ! 

Those  western  hounds  are  summon'd  ; 
Gaines,  Scott,  and  Brown  are  coming  down, 

To  serve  me  just  like  Drummond. 
Thick,  too,  as  bees,  the  Vermontese 

Are  swarming  to  the  lake,  sir; 
And  Izard's  men,  come  back  again, 

Lie  hid  in  every  brake,  sir. 
"  Good  Brisbane,  beat  a  quick  retreat, 

Before  their  forces  join,  sir: 
For,  sure  as  fate,  they've  laid  a  bait 

To  catch  us  like  Burgoyne,  sir. 
All  round  about,  keep  good  look  out: 

We'll  surely  be  surrounded. 
Since  I  could  crawl,  my  gallant  soul 

Was  never  so  astounded." 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

The  rout  began,  Sir  George,  led  on, 

His  men  ran  helter  skelter, 
Each  tried  his  best  t'  out-run  the  rest 

To  gain  a  place  of  shelter; 
To  hide  their  fear  they  gave  a  cheer, 

And  thought  it  mighty  cunning — 
He'll  fight  say  they,  another  day, 

Who  saves  himself  by  running! 


98  MY  SAILOR  LADDIE. 

Tune — Katherine   Ogie. 

Where  roll  thy  billows,  0  Champlain, 

Thy  foaming  billows  swelling, 
That  proudly  lash  the  listening  plain, 

A  tale  of  glory  telling  ; 
Beneath  thy  sacred  bosom  low, 

In  weeds  both  tall  and  shady, 
The  pride  of  all  Macdonough's  crew. 

There  sleeps  my  sailor  laddie. 

Oft  had  he  met  the  battle's  fray, 

With  Hull  and  brave  Decatur; 
And  oft  had  victory  mark'd  his  way, 

Midst  scenes  of  death  and  slaughter, 
But  now  that  manly  spirit's  fled 

To  regions  dark  and  shady  ! 
Deep  in  a  watery  tomb  is  laid 

My  valiant  sailor  laddie! 

How  oft  when  he  return'd  from  far, 
His  plighted  faith  renewing, 

Beguiled  my  heart  of  every  care, 
And  every  doubt  subduing. 


NAVAL  SONGS.  203 

And  as  he  sigh'd  each  tender  vow, 

Beneath  the  willows  shady  ; 
With  laurels  green  I  deck'd  the  brow 

Of  my  young  sailor  laddie. 

At  length  arrived  the  fatal  day, 

And  loud  the  cannons  rattle ! 
Though  victory  crown'd  the  doubtful  fray, 

He  fell  amidst  the  battle ! 
With  anxious  heart  for  his  dear  sake, 

I  left  my  mam  and  daddy, 
And  hied  to  seek  him  on  the  lake, 

My  much  loved  sailor  laddie. 

With  eager  haste  on  board  I  flew, 

To  cheer  my  dying  lover! 
But  ah !  my  disappointed  woe, 

My  Henry's  gone  forever. 
For  0,  they  plunged  him  in  the  deep, 

With  hands  both  rude  and  bloody, 
And  left  a  wretched  maid  to  weep 

Her  dear  lost  sailor  laddie ! 


99  THE  WARRIOR'S  RETURN. 

Sung  at  a  festival  given  to  Commodore  Rodgers  at  New 
York,  1814. 

Tune — American  Star. 

O,  strike  up  the  harp  to  the  warrior  returning, 
From  the  toils  and  the  tempests  of  ocean's  rough 
wave  ; 

The  hearts  of  his  brethren,  with  gratitude  burning, 
Shall  beat  to  the  numbers  which  welcome  the  brave. 


204  NAVAL    SONGS. 


Then  here's  to  the  heroes,  high-sounding  in  story, 
Who've  gallantly  met,  and  have  conquer'd  the  foe  ; 

And  Rodgers,  brave  Rodgers,  coeval  in  glory, 
Who's  "  ready  and  steady"  to  give  him  a  blow. 

O'er  the  furthermost  seas  his  broad  banners  are  waving, 
Like  an  eagle  in  air,  thrice  he  swept  o'er  the  flood, 

The  fleets  of  proud  Britain  with  vigilance  braving; 
And  his  deeds — who  shall  say  they're  not  noble  and 
good ! 

The  wounds  he  received,  for  his  country  contending, 
The  hardships  endured  shall  they  e'er  be  forgot? 

The  slanderous  tongues,  'gainst  his  fair  fame  offending, 
And  the  hands  that  deface — may  they  wither  and  rot ! 

For  freemen  will  cherish  the  rough  sons  of  Ocean, 
Who've  no  party  plea  when  a  foe  may  assail — 

But  undauntedly  fly  to  the  scene  of  commotion, 
To  fight  for  their  rights,  till  they  die  or  prevail. 

In  the  bosom  of  Rodgers,  did  fear  ever  mingle 
With  the  mild  dove  of  peace  or  the  eagle  of  war  ? 

Dare  the  enemy  meet,  with  force  equal  and  single  ? 
No !  but  flies  from  the  roar  of  his  thunder  afar  ! 

Columbians !  one  cause,  and  one  soul,  and  one  spirit 
Inspires  all  your  sons  who  contend  on  the  wave ; 

And  prejudice  ne'er  shall  eclipse  real  merit, 
Nor  fortune  forever  coquette  with  the  brave ! 

Then  join  the  glad  song,  worth  and  valour  commending, 
Fan  the  flame  which  in  each  patriot  bosom  should 
burn, 

And  all  honest  hearts,  in  true  sympathy  blending, 
Unite  in  a  toast  to  the  warrior's  return  ! 


NAVAL    SONGS.  205 

100  RISE,  COLUMBIA. 

BY   JAMES    C.  HOLLAND. 

When  Freedom  fisst  the  triumph  sung, 

That  crush'd  the  pomp  of  Freedom's  foes, 
The  harps  of  Heaven  responsive  rung, 
As  thus  the  choral  numbers  rose : 
Rise,  Columbia  !  brave  and  free  ! 

Thy  thunder  when  in  battle  hurl'd, 
Shall  ride  the  billows  of  the  sea, 
And  bid  defiance  to  the  world  ! 

Supremely  blest  by  Fate's  decree, 

Thy  hardy  tars  in  battle  brave, 
Shall  plume  thy  wings,  and  keep  thee  free 

As  is  the  motion  of  thy  wave; 
Rise,  Columbia !  &c. 

The  stars  that  in  thy  banner  shine, 

Shall  rain  destruction  on  thy  foes, 
Yet  light  the  brave  of  every  clime, 

To  kindred  friendship  and  repose; 
Rise,  Columbia!  &c. 

The  storms  that  on  thy  surges  rock, 

Around  thy  flag  shall  idly  sweep, 
Proof  to  the  tempest's  fiercest  shock, 

Its  stripes  shall  awe  the  vassal  deep. 
Rise,  Columbia!  &c. 

Encircled  with  a  flood  of  light, 

Thy  eagle  shall  supremely  rise, 
Lead  thee  to  victory  in  fight, 

And  bear  thy  victory  to  the  skies. 
Rise,  Columbia!  &e. 
18 


206  NAVAL    SONGS. 


101  BAIXBRIDGE'S  VICTORY. 

Sung  at  a  dinner  given  at  Boston,  to  Comomdore  Bain- 
bridge,  and  the  officers  of  the  frigate  Constitution,  tor  their 
gallant  achievement  in  the  capture  of  the  British  frigate  Java. 

BY  L.  M.  SARGENT. 
Tune— Ye  Mariners  of  England. 

Brave  hearts  of  ocean  chivalry, 

Who  late  in  arms  have  stood 
Victorious  o'er  the  bravest  foe, 

Whose  thunder  wakes  the  flood  ! 
Ye  twice  have  sought  fame's  proudest  height, 

And  twice  attained  the  goal ! 
Again,  o'er  the  main, 

Shall  your  conquering  thunders  roll, 
And  your  banners  float  victoriously, 
And  your  conquering  thunders  roll. 

Mark,  how  yon  ship  triumphantly 

Her  native  billows  lave  ! 
Where  first  she  gave  her  native  form 

In  rapture  to  the  wave. 
Twice  bold  Britannia's  hearts  of  oak 

Have  own'd  her  stern  control, 
And  again,  o'er  the  main, 

Shall  her  conquering  thunders  roll. 
And  her  banners  float  victoriously, 
And  her  conquering  thunders  roll. 

When  first  again  for  battle 

YTe  bade  your  thunders  swell, 
A  spirit,  clad  in  armour,  stood, 

Where  once  a  hero  fell. 
It  sternly  frown'd  upon  the  foe, 


NAVAL    SONGS.  207 

And  show'd  the  scar  it  bore  : 
Till  again,  o'er  the  main, 

Your  thunder  ceased  to  roar. 
And  your  banners  waved  victoriously, 
While  your  thunders  ceased  to  roar. 

Bush  !  'twas  thy  gallant  spirit, 

That  left  its  realms  on  high, 
To  hear  Columbia's  battle  rage, 

To  see  her  streamers  fly. 
That  spirit,  when  the  fight  was  done, 

Aloft  the  tidings  bore, 
How  again,  o'er  the  main, 

Your  conquering  guns  did  roar, 
And  your  banners  waved  victoriously, 
And  your  conquering  guns  did  roar. 

Fame  !  wreathe  again  thy  laurels, 

Like  Hull's  forever  fair; 
Such  garlands,  on  his  manly  brow, 

Shall  noble  Bainbridge  wear  ; 
The  same  their  banner  and  their  deck, 

The  same  their  daring  soul, 
And  the  same  be  their  fame, 

While  their  conquering  thunders  roll, 
And  their  banners  float  victoriously, 
And  their  conquering  thunders  roll. 

High  on  thy  rolls  of  glory, 

With  honour  doubly  crown'd, 
By  those  whose  sires  are  yet  unborn, 

Shall  Alwin's  name  be  found. 
The  spirits  of  the  brave,  who  live 

On  thine  eternal  scroll, 


208  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Again,  o'er  the  main, 

When  they  hear  their  thunders  roll, 
Shall  trim  those  banners  to  the  breeze, 
While  the  conquering  thunders  roll. 
"Ye  Mariners  of  England," 

The  brave  applaud  the  brave  ; 
Our  bays  with  cypress  would  we  twine, 

To  deck  your  Lambert's  grave  ; 
But  since  'tis  ours  to  meet  ye  foes, 

Our  gallant  friends  of  yore, 
Again,  o'er  the  main, 

Shall  our  conquering  thunders  roar, 
And  our  banners  float  victoriously, 
And  our  conquering  thunders  roar. 
Fame,  ready  twine  such  garlands, 

As  crown  the  brave  to-day ; 
For  here  are  ocean  warriors, 

As  good  and  brave  as  they. 
When  fortune  leads  them  where  the  foe 

Now  sweep  the  surges  o'er, 
Again,  o'er  the  main, 

Shall  our  conquering  thunders  roar, 
And  our  banners  float  victoriously, 
And  our  conquering  thunders  roar. 


102  LAWRENCE'S  VICTORY. 

All  hail,  Columbia's  sons  !  once  more, 
Their  glory  beams  o'er  ocean  bright; 
All  welcome  to  their  native  shore, 
Triumphant  from  the  bloody  fight. 
Columbia's  sons  shall  ever  be, 
The  guardians  of  true  liberty. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  209 

The  gallant  Lawrence  stemm'd  the  sea, 
Nor  fear'd  to  meet  the  haughty  foe  ; 

His  flag,  the  flag  of  liberty, 

Flowed  in  the  breeze  and  still  shall  flow. 
Columbia's  sons,  &c. 

A  bird  of  Albion's  daring  race, 

Fast  moved  along  on  airy  wing, 
The  Hornet  too,  with  naval  grace, 

Prepared  to  dart  it's  keenest  sting. 
Columbia's  sons,  &c. 

The  rage  of  battle  warmer  grew, 

Death  reigned  with  haughty  triumph  there, 
The  thundering  broadsides  faster  flew, 

Whistling  along  the  floating  air. 
Columbia's  sons,  &c. 

But  lo !  she  strikes ;  the  Peacock's  crest, 

Fast  sinks  to  ocean's  coral  bed  ; 
Down,  down  she  goes ;  there  let  her  rest, 

And  peace  attend  her  sleeping  dead. 
Columbia's  sons,  &c. 

High  on  the  glowing  scroll  of  fame, 
In  dazzling  tints,  this  deed  shall  shine ; 

And  there,  brave  Lawrence,  shall  thy  name 
Live  in  an  everlasting  shrine, 
Columbia's  sons,  &c. 


]03  DECATUR'S  VICTORY. 

Tune— Ye  Tars  of  Columbia. 

The  banner  of  Freedom  high  floated  unfurl'd, 
While  the  silver  tipt  surges  in  low  homage  curl'd, 

18* 


210  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Flashing  bright  round  the  bow  of  Decatur's  brave  bark, 
In  contest,  an  eagle — in  chasing,  a  lark. 
The  bold  «  United  States," 
Which  four-and-forty  rates, 
Shall  ne'er  be  known  to  yield — be  known  to  yield 

or  fly — 
Her  motto  is  "  Glory  !  we  conquer  or  die." 
All  canvass  extended  to  woo  the  coy  gale, 
The  ship  clear'd  for  action,  in  chase  of  a  sail : 
The  foeman  in  view,  every  bosom  beats  high, 
All  eager  for  conquest,  or  ready  to  die. 

The  bold  United  States,  &c. 
Now  havoc  stands  ready,  with  optics  of  flame, 
And  battle-hounds  "strain  on  the  start"  for  the  game. 
The  blood  demons  rise  on  the  surge  for  their  prey, 
While  pity,  dejected,  awaits  the  dread  fray. 

The  bold  United  States,  &c. 
The  gay-floating  streamers  of  Britain  appear, 
Waving  light  in  the  breeze,  as  the  stranger  we  near; 
And  now  could  the  quick-sighted  Yankee  discern, 
Macedonian  emblazoned  at  large  on  her  stern. 

The  bold  United  States,  &c. 
She  waits  our  approach,  and  the  contest  began, 
But  to  waste  ammunition  is  no  Yankee  plan ; 
In  awful  suspense  every  match  was  withheld, 
While  the  bull-dogs  of  Britain  incessantly  yell'd  : 

The  bold  United  States,  &c. 
Unawed  by  her  thunders,  alongside  we  came, 
While  the  foe  seem'd  enwrapp'd  in  a  mantle  of  flame, 
When,  prompt  to  the  word,  such  a  flood  we  return, 
That  Neptune,  aghast,  thought  his  trident  would  burn. 

The  bold  United  States,  &c. 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

Now  the  lightning  of  battle  gleams  horribly  red, 
With  a  tempest  of  iron,  and  a  hail-storm  of  lead : 
And  our  fire  on  the  foe  was  so  copiously  pour'd, 
His  mizen  and  top-masts  soon  went  by  the  board. 
The  bold  United  States,  &c. 

So  fierce  and  so  bright  did  our  flashes  aspire, 
They  thought  that  their  cannon  had  set  us  on  fire — 
«*  The  Yankees  on  flames,"  every  British  tar  hears, 
And  hail'd  the  false  omen  with  three  hearty  cheers. 
The  bold  United  States,  &c. 

In  seventeen  minutes,  they  found  their  mistake, 
And  were  glad  to  surrender,  and  fall  in  our  wake, 
Her  decks  were  with  carnage  and  blood  deluged  o'er, 
Where,  weltering  in  blood,  lay  a  hundred  and  four. 
The  bold  United  States,  &c. 

But  though  she  was  made  so  completely  a  wreck, 
With  blood  they  had  scarcely  encrimson'd  our  deck ; 
Only  five  valiant  Yankees  in  battle  was  slain, 
And  our  ship  in  five  minutes  was  fitted  again. 
The  bold  United  States,  &c. 

Let  Britain  no  longer  lay  claim  to  the  seas, 
For  the  trident  of  Neptune  is  ours,  if  we  please. 
While  Hull,  and  Decatur,  and  Jones  are  our  boast, 
We  dare  their  whole  navy  to  come  to  our  coast. 
The  bold  United  States,  &c. 

Rise,  tars  of  Columbia,  and  share  in  the  fame, 
Which  gilds  Hull's,  Decatur's  and  Jones's  bright  name, 
Fill  a  bumper  and  drink,  "  Here's  success  to  the  cause, 
But  Decatur  supremely  deserves  our  applause." 
The  bold  United  States,  &c. 


212  NAVAL    SONGS. 

104  KIDNAPPED  SEAMEX. 

Sons  of  Freedom,  break  your  slumbers! 

Hear  a  brother's  piercing  cries  ; 
From  amidst  your  foes'  deep  thunders, 

Hear  his  bitter  griefs  arise ! 

Seized  by  ruffians  on  the  ocean, 
From  his  kindred  borne  away, 

Forced  to  render  his  devotion, 
To  relentless  tyrants'  sway. 

See  !  with  ruthless  hands  they  chain  him  ! 

Iron  fetters  bind  his  arms ! 
Better  that  they  first  had  slain  him, 

And  relieved  from  future  harms. 

See  his  naked  body  streaming 
Rills  of  blood  beneath  the  lash  ; 

See  his  eyes  indignant  beaming, 
Sparkling  vengeance  as  they  flash. 

Though  his  body,  scored  with  gashes, 
Sinks  beneath  a  brutal  hand, 

His  soul  still  scorns  the  fiend-like  lashes, 
And  turns  to  view  his  native  land. 

"  0  my  country,"  hear  him  calling, 
"  When,  0  when,  the  happy  hour, 

That  the  sailor  saves  from  falling 
In  these  demons'  lawless  power?" 

Can  we  hear  his  sad  petition, 
Echoing  o'er  our  hills  and  dales, 

And  turn  unmoved  from  his  condition, 
While  his  miseries  he  bewails? 


NAVAL    SONGS.  213 


Sons  of  freemen,  arm  for  battle, 
And  avenge  your  brother's  cause  ! 

Let  your  thundering  cannon  rattle 
For  our  country  and  our  laws  ! 


105  RODGERS  AND  VICTORY. 

Tune — "Yankee  Doodle." 

John  Bull,  who  has  for  ten  years  past 

Been  daily  growing  prouder, 
Has  got  another  taste  at  last 
Of  Yankee  ball  and  powder, 

Yankee  doodle,  join  the  tune, 

To  every  freeman  handy, 
Let's  shake  the  foot  and  rigadoon 
To  Yankee  doodle  dandy. 

His  wrongs  and  insults  have  increased, 

Till  Yankees  cannot  bear  'em, 
And  as  they  wish'd  to  live  in  peace, 
He  thought  that  he  could  scare  'em. 

But  Yankees  know  their  good  old  tune, 

For  fun  or  fighting  handy, 
For  battle  or  for  rigadoon, 
'Tis  Yankee  doodle  dandy. 

You  all  remember  well,  I  guess, 

The  Chesapeake  disaster, 
When  Britons  dared  to  kill  and  press, 
To  please  their  royal  master. 

That  day  did  murder'd  freemen  fall, 
Their  graves  are  cold  and  sandy ; 
Their  funeral  dirge  was  sung  by  all, 
Not  Yankee  doodle  dandy. 


214  NAVAL 

But  still  for  this  we  mann'd  no  ship, 

But  used  expostulation. 
They  murder'd  Pierce — they  fired  on  Tripp, 
We  bore  the  degradation. 

For  though  we  can  like  tigers  fight, 

Yet  peaceful  joys  are  handy  : 
Like  brothers  still  we  would  unite, 
With  Yankee  doodle  dandy. 

The  tools  of  British  power  who  steal 

And  murder  on  the  ocean, 
For  every  wrong  they  make  us  feel 
Meet  honour  and  promotion. 

I  guess  if  father  was  not  dead, 

He'd  think  us  very  bandy, 
And  ask  where  all  the  fire  had  fled 
Of  Yankee  doodle  dandy. 

But  finding  injuries  prolong'd, 

Become  a  growing  evil, 
Our  Commodore  got  leave,  if  wrong'd, 
To  blow  'em  to  the  devil. 

And  Rodgers  is  a  spunky  lad, 

In  naval  battles  handy, 
'Twas  he  who  whipt  the  Turks  so  well 
With  Yankee  doodle  dandy. 

So  off  he  goes,  and  tells  his  crew ; 
The  sails  were  quickly  bent,  sir: 
A  better  ship  you  never  knew. 
She's  call'd  the  President,  sir, 

They  hoisted  up  the  topsails  soon, 

The  sailors  are  so  handy  ; 
While  drums  and  files  struck  up  the  tune 
Of  Yankee  doodle  dandy. 


NAVAL   SONGS.  215 

On  Thursday  morn  we  saw  a  sail, 

Well  arm'd  with  gun  and  swivel, 
Says  Rodgers,  "  We  will  chase  and  hail, 
And  see  if  she'll  be  civil." 

So  after  her  they  hasten'd  soon, 

The  sailors  are  so  handy  ; 
While  drums  and  fifes  still  play'd  the  tune 
Called  Yankee  doodle  dandy. 

"Where  are  you  from?"  bold  Rodgers  cried — 

Which  made  the  British  wonder — 
Then  with  a  gun  they  quick  replied, 
Which  made  a  noise  like  thunder. 

Like  lightning  we  return'd  the  joke, 

Our  matches  were  so  handy, 
The  Yankee  bull-dogs  nobly  spoke 
The  tune  of  doodle  dandy. 
A  brilliant  action  then  began, 

Our  fire  so  briskly  burn'd,  sir, 
While  blood  from  British  scuppers  ran, 
Live  Seventy-six  return'd,  sir, 

Our  cannon  roar'd,  our  men  huzza'd, 

And  fired  away  so  handy, 
Till  Bingham  struck,  he  was  so  scared, 
At  hearing  doodle  dandy. 

Then  having  thus  chastised  the  foe, 

And  wounded  thirty  British, 

We  gave  the  rascals  leave  to  go, 

They  felt  so  deused  skittish. 

Now  toast  our  Commodore  so  brave, 

In  toddy,  flip,  or  brandy, 
And  strike  aloud  the  merry  stave 
Of  Yankee  doodle  dandy. 


216  NAVAL    SONGS. 

100  ODE, 

Sung  at  the  dinner  given  to  the  officers  of  the  United  States 
frigate  Constitution,  after  the  victory  over  the  British  frigate 
Guerriere. 

BY    L.    M.    SARGEANT,  ESQ. 
Tune— "  Ye  Mariners  of  England." 

Britannia's  gallant  streamers 

Float  proudly  o'er  the  tide; 
And  fairly  wave  Columbia's  stripes, 

In  battle,  side  by  side  : 
And  ne'er  did  bolder  foemen  meet 

Where  ocean's  surges  pour. 
O'er  the  tide  now  they  ride, 

While  the  bellowing  thunders  roar, 
While  the  cannon's  fire  is  flashing  fast, 

And  the  bellowing  thunders  roar. 

When  Yankee  meets  the  Briton, 

Whose  blood  congenial  flows, 
By  heaven  created  to  be  friends, 

By  fortune  render'd  foes  ; 
Hard  then  must  be  the  battle  fray, 

Ere  well  the  fight  is  o'er; 
Now  they  ride,  side  by  side, 

While  the  bellowing  thunders  roar  ; 
While  the  cannon's  fire  is  flashing  fast, 

And  the  bellowing  thunders  roar; 

Still,  still  for  noble  England, 

Bold  Dacres'  streamers  fly; 
And,  for  Columbia,  gallant  Hull's 

As  proudly  and  as  high. 
Now  louder  rings  the  battle  din, 


NAVAL  SONGS.  21 

More  thick  the  volumes  pour; 
Still  they  ride,  side  by  side, 

While  the  bellowing  thunders  roar; 
While  the  cannon's  fire  is  flashing  fast, 

And  the  bellowing  thunders  roar. 

Why  lulls  Britannia's  thunder, 

That  waked  the  watery  war  1 
Why  stays  that  gallant  Guerriere, 

Whose  streamers  waved  so  fair  % 
That  streamer  drinks  the  ocean  wave ! 

That  warrior's  fight  is  o'er ! 
Still  they  ride,  side  by  side, 

While  Columbia's  thunders  roar; 
While  her  cannons  fire  is  flashing  fast, 

And  her  Yankee  thunders  roar. 

Hark,  'tis  the  Briton's  lee-gun ! 

Ne'er  bolder  warrior  kneel'd ! 
And  ne'er  to  gallant  mariners 

Did  braver  seamen  yield. 
Proud  be  the  sires,  whose  hardy  boys 

Then  fell  to  fight  no  more  ; 
With  the  brave,  'mid  the  wave, 

When  the  cannon's  thunders  roar; 
Their  spirits  then  shall  trim  the  blast, 

And  swell  the  thunder's  roar. 

Vain  weTe  the  cheers  of  Britons, 

Their  hearts  did  vainly  swell, 
Where  virtue,  skill,  and  bravery, 

With  gallant  Morris  fell. 
That  heart,  so  well  in  battle  tried, 
19 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

Along  the  Moorish  shore, 
Yet  again,  o'er  the  main, 

When  Columbia's  thunders  roar, 
Shall  prove  its  Yankee  spirit  true, 

When  Columbia's  thunders  roar. 

Hence  be  our  floating  bulwarks 

Those  oaks  our  mountains  yield; 
'Tis  mighty  Heaven's  plain  decree; 

Then  take  the  watery  field  ! 
To  ocean's  farthest  barrier,  then, 

Your  whitening  sails  shall  pour: 
Safe  they'll  ride  o'er  the  tide, 

While  Columbia's  thunders  roar, 
While  her  cannon's  fire  is  flashing  fast, 

And  her  Yankee  thunders  roar. 


107  AMERICAN  SEAMEN'S  LAMENTATION. 

From  dungeons  of  Britain,  which  float  on  the  main, 

O  hear  the  sad  tale  of  our  sorrowful  moan  ; 
The  sun  of  your  freedom  for  us  shines  in  vain, 
As  captives  we  live  but  to  sigh  and  to  groan. 
Then  pity,  dear  brothers,  the  fate  we  deplore, 
Let  our  dear  native  land  but  receive  us  once  more. 

The  insolent  Briton,  who  rules  us  with  scorn, 

With  a  heart  made  of  stone,  does  but  mock  at  our 
grief, 
Nor  feels  for  the  pangs  of  our  state  so  forlorn, 
In  hopes  that  our  thraldom  may  find  no  relief. 
Then  pity,  dear  brothers,  the  fate  we  deplore, 
Let  our  dear  native  country  receive  us  once  more. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  219 

0  brothers!  ye  boast  of  your  liberty  won, 

By  Washington's  feats  and  by  deeds  of  your  own; 
No  ray  meets  our  eyes  of  bright  liberty's  sun, 
Forced  to  fight  and  to  die  for  a  land  not  our  own. 
Then  pity,  dear  brothers,  the  fate  we  deplore, 
Let  our  friends  and  our  country  receive  us  once 
more. 

How  happy  with  you  to  conquer  or  die, 

For  country  and  liberty  offer  our  lives, 
At  the  word  of  command  be  still  ready  to  fly, 
Protecting  our  parents,  our  children,  and  wives. 
Then  pity,  dear  fathers,  the  fate  we  deplore, 
Let  our  dear  native  country  receive  us  once  more. 

Forget  not  your  sailors  in  thraldom  severe, 

Who  cease  not  to  think  and  to  pine  after  you ; 
Be  not  plunder'd  of  all  which  a  man  holds  most  dear, 
Nor  suffer  our  days  to  be  number'd  but  few. 
Then  pity,  dear  nation,  our  sorrowful  strain, 
Nor  let  us  forever  solicit  in  vain. 


108  JOHN  CODLINE  AND  JOHN  BULL. 

With  his  ship  all  well  mann'd,  and  "  chock  full  of 

fight," 
John  Codline  was  ploughing  the  ocean  one  night. 

As  fortune  would  have  it,  John  Bull  came  that  way, 
And  thought  Mr.  Codline  some  Frenchman  astray. 

"  Who  are  you  V  cries  Codline — Sir  Bull  was  quite 

mum — ! 
And  in  lieu  of  a  word  gave  Codline  a  gun. 


220  NAVAL    SONGS. 

"  Egad  !  that's  plain  English,  my  own  mother  tongue," 
Cries  Codline — "I'll  give  you  as  good  as  you  flung. 

The  sauce  I  now  hear,  oft  before  I  have  heard — 
So  now,  my  good  fellow,  see  who's  the  last  word." 

Broadside  and  broadside,  then  at  it  they  went, 

Till  Bull  cried,  "  Peccavi, — this  ain't  what  I  meant. 

I  thought  you  a  Frenchman,  and  fear'd  not  your  size, 
"Well  knowing  the  larger — the  greater  the  prize." 

"A  good  one,"  cries  Codline — "this  blundering  hit 
May  learn  you  to  profit  by  loss  of  your  wit. 

Hereafter,  when  Codline  you  happen  to  meet, 
On  Neptune's  highway,  on  river,  or  street — 

Be  civil,  friend  Bull,  for  we  fear  not  a  straw, 
Your  'ultima  ratio' —  your  old  cannon  /aw/1 


109  SEAMEN  OF  COLUMBIA. 

Ye  seamen  of  Columbia, 

Who  guard  our  nation's  rights. 
Whose  deeds  deserve  eternal  fame, 

In  four  successive  fights; 
O  try  your  matchless  skill  again, 

Subdue  your  ancient  foe, 
As  they  roar  on  your  shore, 

Where  the  stormy  tempests  blow. 

The  spirits  often  thousand  men, 
Who  groan  beneath  the  yoke, 

Shall  join  to  aid  your  labours 

When  you  their  chains  have  broke, 


NAVAL    SONGS.  221 

Nor  shall  they  e'er  be  press'd  again, 

To  serve  your  ancient  foe, 
As  they  roar  on  your  shore, 

Where  the  stormy  tempests  blow. 

Columbia  needs  no  bulwark 

Along  the  stormy  coast, 
Her  gallant  seamen  are  her  walls, 

The  country's  pride  and  boast; 
There's  Hull,  Decatur,  Porter,  Jones, 

And  a  long  list  beside, 
Who  will  sweep  o'er  the  deep, 

And  in  fearless  triumph  ride. 

The  haughty  flag  of  England, 

That  waved  a  thousand  years, 
Is  stripp'd  of  its  proud  laurels, 

Which  on  our  flag  appears  ; 
Our  tars  have  crown'd  the  eagle, 

And  the  stripes  have  lash'd  the  foe, 
As  they  sweep  o'er  the  deep, 

Where  the  stormy  tempests  blow. 


HO  AMERICAN  VICTORIES. 

Hark  !  again  the  cannon's  roar 
Floats  along  Columbia's  shore, 
Peals  on  peals,  redoubling,  roll, 
Whilst  glory  fires  each  patriot  soul. 

Some  dreadful  contest  shakes  the  main — 
Hark,  the  thunder  breaks  again  ! 
And  now  amid  the  ocean's  glow, 
"She  strikes!  she  strikes  !"  Columbia's  foe. 
19* 


222  NAVAL    SONGS. 


Britannia  weep  !  thy  laurels  view 
Fast  fading,  twin'd  with  mournful  yew, 
Columbia's  little  naval  band 
Will  wrest  the  trident  from  thy  hand. 
See  boastful  Dacres,  humbled,  yield 
To  modest  Hull  the  azure  field  ; 
To  Yankee  skill  resign  the  wave 
That  rises  o'er  the  Guerriere's- grave. 
And  see,  beneath  the  southern  sky, 
Columbia's  flag  triumphant  fly  ! 
Intrepid  Jones  with  ardour  burns, 
And  vengeful  on  the  Frolic  turns. 
Superior  force  the  Briton  claims, 
But  dauntless  Jones  the  fight  maintains, 
Till  haughty  England  sees  once  more 
Her  red  cross  humbled  as  before. 
Then  turn,  behold  Columbia's  pride, 
Decatur — oft  in  battle  tried — 
The  Preble  of  her  infant  name — 
The  Nelson  of  her  future  fame. 

See,  vanquish'd,  by  his  valiant  hand, 
The  Macedonian,  captive  stand  ; 
Struck,  her  proud  banners  to  his  might, 
And  hails  him  champion  of  the  fight. 
Whilst  fair  Columbia's  genius  twines, 
And  graceful  round  his  temple  binds 
That  glorious  wreath,  the  meed  of  fame, 
Which  consecrates  a  hero's  name. 
Then,  Britain,  weep!  thy  laurels  view 
Fast  fading,  twined  with  mournful  yew; 
Columbia's  little  naval  band 
Shall  wrest  the  trident  from  thy  hand. 


NAVAL   SONGS,  223 


HI  DEATH  OR  VICTORY. 

Columbians,  rouse  to  glory, 

The  trump  of  War  alarms, 
Around  the  tree  of  Liberty, 

Come  buckle  on  your  arms — 
Defend  the  glorious  heritage 

Your  fathers'  valour  won, 
So  shall  fame,  crown  each  name, 

When  the  day  of  battle's  done. 

Long  has  our  country's  vengeance, 

In  mild  forbearance  slept, 
While  free-born  sons  of  liberty 

In  bloody  bondage  wept — 
Let  now,  since  peace  in  war  must  cease, 

Your  valour  teach  the  foe, 
Whilst  their  blood  swells  the  flood, 

That  'tis  Vengeance  strikes  the  blow. 

The  haughty  fleets  of  Britain 

Assail'd  your  native  shore, 
Around  each  bay  to  seek  for  prey, 

Their  thundering  cannons  roar. 
But  Rodgers  and  Decatur  soon 

Their  daring  crest  shall  lower — 
O'er  their  slain  on  the  main, 

Shall  Columbia's  eagle  soar. 

Soon  on  the  plains  of  Abraham 

Our  hardy  sons  shall  rear, 
The  banner  free  of  liberty, 

To  haughty  Britain's  fear ; 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

Nor  will  they  quit  the  glorious  field, 

Till  laurels  nobly  deck 
Every  head,  quick  or  dead, 

Of  the  conquerors  of  Quebec. 

Columbians  love  their  liberty, 

Their  country,  and  their  God, 
No  kingly  power  shall  make  them  cower, 

They  dread  no  tyrant's  nod  ; 
Their  happy  country's  destiny 

Is  ever  to  be  free, 
And  they'llfight  for  every  right, 

For  their  land  and  liberty. 

Then  rouse,  Columbians,  rush  to  arms  ! 

Obey  your  country's  call ; 
Your  motto,  "  Death  or  victory  !" 

Live  gloriously  or  fall — 
Preserve  the  precious  heritage 

Your  fathers'  valour  won, 
So  shall  fame  crown  each  name, 

When  the  day  of  battle's  done. 


112  OCEAN'S  LIBERTY. 

Ye  seamen  of  America,  rouse,  rouse  your  native  fires  ; 
Go  forth  to  deeds  of  glory,  worthy  your  gallant  sires, 
No  more  submit  to  Britain's  rule  where  ocean  rolls  his 
wave : 

But  maintain  on  the  main, 
The  rights  which  nature  gave. 
Assert  the  ocean's  liberty,  or  make  its  bed  your  grave. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  225 

See  how  the  Constitution's  crew  assail'd  the  haughty- 
foe ! 
They  speak   their  wrongs   in  thunder,  no  fear  their 

hosoms  know : 
See  Britain's  boasted  wooden  walls  succumb  beneath 
their  might, 

When  again  on  the  main 
They  wage  the  dreadful  fight. 
Assert  the  ocean's  liberty,  and  wage  the  dreadful  fight ! 

Rouse,  rouse  to  deeds  of  valour,  your  vengeance  on  the 

foe ; 
No  more  impressment's  cruel  wrong  shall  Yankee 

seamen  know; 
The  ocean's  perfect  liberty  in  thunder  loud  proclaim  : 
On  the  main  firm  maintain 
The  rights  you  justly  claim  ; 
Avenge  your  country's  injuries,  or  perish  on  the  main. 

See  how  the  brave  Decatur  subdues  the  foe  in  fight ! 
See  Britain's  boasted  bull-dogs  subdued   by  Yankee 

might ! 

Such  be  your  deeds,  whene'er  you  meet  the  Briton  on 

On  the  main  firm  maintain         [the  wave : 

The  rights  which  nature  gave, 

Assert  the  ocean's  liberty,  or  make  its  bed  your  grave. 

Loud  roar'd  the  storm  of  ocean  when  Jones  the  Frolic 

met: 
But  danger  strengthen'd  bravery ;  upon  the  foe  he  set. 
Soon,  soon  the  humbled  British  crew  their  shatter'd 
barque  resign 

To  the  brave  on  the  wave ; 
The  contest  they  decline,  [resign. 

Acknowledge  Yankee  mastery,  and  valour's  meed 


226  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Go  forth,  ye  ocean  warriors,  to  combat  on  the  flood  ; 
Your  county's  many  injuries  avenge  in  British  blood. 
The  ocean's  perfect  liberty  in  (bander  loud  proclaim; 
On  the  main  firm  maintain 
The  rights  you  justly  claim, 
Assert  the  ocean's  Mberty  or  perish  on  the  main. 


U3  AMERICAN  TRIBUTE. 

In  Washington's  time, 

It  was  reckon'd  no  crime 
(Though  now  we  such  measures  prohibit) 

To  tickle  the  paws 

Of  the  Barbary  bashaws 
With  a  snug  little  handful  of  tribute. 

So  a  smart  Yankee  ship 

Now  and  then  they'd  equip, 
Whatever  might  cost  them  to  rig  it; 

And  our  good-natured  folks 

Sent  our  fine  native  oaks 
Abroad  in  an  Algerine  frigate ! 

Thus,  instead  of  the  stars 

That  should  wave  from  our  spars. 
Her  peak  bore  the  infidel  crescent; 

But  they  soon  thought  that  one, 

Fraught  with  ballast  alone, 
Was  no  satisfactory  present. 

So,  while  we  fought  Britain, 
That  moment  thoy  hit  on 
To  attack  us  with  wonderful  bravery; 
And  by  way  of  broad  hint, 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

To  show  what  they  meant, 
They  carried  our  tars  into  slavery. 

And  now  we  have  leisure 

To  study  their  pleasure, 
And  something  to  spare  of  our  lumber  ; 

Since  one  ship  in  ballast, 

Won't  soften  their  malice, 
For  peace  sake,  we  send  them  a  number  : 

A  good  store  of  guns, 

To  try  if,  for  once, 
To  gratitude  we  can  awake  'em ; 

And  men  in  abundance, 

Strong  fellows,  and  sound  ones, 
They  have  nothing  to  do  but  to  take  'em  ! 

Our  prisoners  to  ransom 

We  send  something  handsome, 
In  mettle  undoubtedly  current ; 

And  powder  in  potions, 

And  similar  notions, 
That  will  cure  their  distemper,  we  warrant. 

John  Bull,  once  unruly, 

Can  certify  truly, 
Of  our  powder  and  pills,  in  the  papers; 

For  their  power,  he  affirms, 

Cured  his  boys  of  the  worms, 
And  relieved  him  from  megrims  and  vapours  ! 

Already  the  dey 

Is  much  better,  they  say, 
Having  voided  a  couple  of  vermin  ! 

And  the  doctor  supposes 

A  few  more  such  doses 
His  obstinate  case  will  determine. 


228  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Such,  such  is  the  tribute 

We  Yankees  exhibit, 
On  every  such  trying  occasion; 

If  this  don't  convince 

The  Barbarian  prince, 
He  is  past  all  the  art  of  persuasion ! 


114  DECATUR'S  RETURN. 

BY  MR.  MCCREERY  OF  PETERSBURG. 

See  Decatur,  our  hero,  returns  from  the  west, 

Who's  destin'd  to  shine  in  the  annals  of  story, 
A  bright  ray  of  vict'ry  beams  high  on  his  crest, 
Encircled,  his  brows,  by  a  halo  of  glory. 
On  Afric's  bleak  shore, 
From  the  insolent  Moor, 
His  bloody  stained  laurels  in  triumph  he  tore, 

Where  the  crescent,  which  oft  spread  its  terrors  afar, 
Submissively  bow'd  to  the  American  star. 

Algiers'  haughty  dey,  in  the  height  of  his  pride, 
From  American  freemen  a  tribute  demanded ; 
Columbia's  brave  freemen  the  tribute  denied, 

And  his  corsairs  to  seize  our  bold  tars  were  com- 
manded. 
Their  streamers  wave  high, 
But  Decatur  draws  nigh. 
His  name  strikes  like  lightning — in  terror  they  fly. 

Thrice  welcome  our  hero,  returned  from  afar, 
"Where  the  proud  crescent  falls  to  the  American  star. 


NAVAL   SONGS.  229 


115  THE  CAPRICE  OF  JOHN  BULL'S  TASTE. 

An  anecdote  the  town  repeat, 
Brought  by  our  prisoners  from  the  fleet, 
Shows  if  John  Bull  be  soundly  beat, 
The  drubbing  mends  his  manners. 

John  would,  on  board  his  ships,  they  say, 
On  lowering  flag,  at  eve,  each  day, 
Strike  up,  in  very  awkward  way, 
Our  merry  Yankee  doodle. 

Chuckling  with  the  wondrous  jest, 

Thus  to  console  each  moody  guest, 

The  arch  rogue  tried  his  very  best 

Its  cheerful  notes  to  mangle : 

But  when  his  valiant  host  of  fame, 

Fell  before  men  (without  a  name, 

Mere  homespun  clowns)  they'd  tried  to  tame, 

.   Or,  oh,  sad  !  crouch'd  in  stubble. 

Then,  of  that  merry  source  of  fun 
So  oft  that  through  his  ships  had  run, 
No  scrape  again  was  heard — not  one 
Heart-stirring  doodle  dandy. 

The  "Shepherds"  not  of  manners  rough, 
To  note  the  change  were  kind  enough, 
Ask'd  John  Bull — if  in  a  huff— 
He'd  doused  his  Yankee  fiddle. 

Like  statue,  Bull,  erect  and  mum, 
The  fit  of  music  would  not  come, 
And  grown  most  eloquently  dumb, 
He  look'd  "I'll  see  you  d— d  first." 
20 


230  NAVAL    SONGS. 

116  YANKEE  SAILORS. 

Yankee  sailors  have  a  knack, 

Haul  away  !  yeo  ho,  boys ; 
Of  pulling  down  a  British  jack, 

'Gainst  any  odds,  you  know,  boys  ; 
Come  three  to  one,  right  sure  am  I, 
If  we  can't  beat  them,  still  we'll  try 
To  makeColumbia's  colours  fly. 

Haul  away !  yeo  ho,  boys  ! 
Yankee  sailors,  when  at  sea, 

Haul  away  !  yeo  ho,  boys  ! 
Pipe  all  hands,  with  merry  glee, 

While  aloft  they  go,  boys  ! 
And  when  with  pretty  girls  on  shore 
Their  cash  is  gone,  and  not  before, 
They  wisely  go  to  sea  for  more. 

Haul  away  !  yeo  ho,  boys  ! 
Yankee  sailors  love  their  soil, 

Haul  away  !  yeo  ho,  boys ! 
And  for  glory  ne'er  spare  toil, 

But  flog  its  foes,  you  know,  boys  ! 
Then  while  its  standard  owns  a  rag 
The  world  combined  shall  never  brag, 
They  made  us  strike  the  Yankee  flag, 

Haul  away  !  yeo  ho,  boys  ! 


117  YANKEE  FROLICS. 

No  more  of  your  blathering  nonsense 
'Bout  Nelsons  of  old  Johnny  Bull; 

I'll  sing  ye  a  song  by  my  conscience 
'Bout  Jones,  and  Decatur,  and  Hull. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  .  231 

Dad  Neptune  has  long,  with  vexation, 

Beheld  with  what  insolent  pride, 

The  turbulent  billow-wash'd  nation 

Has  aimed  to  control  his  salt  tide. 

Sing  lather  away,  jonteel  and  aisy, 

By  my  soul  at  the  game  hob-or-nob, 
In  a  very  few  minutes  we'll  plase  ye, 
Because  we  take  work  by  the  job. 

There  was  Dacres,  at  vaunting  and  boasting, 

His  equal  you'll  seldom  come  near; 
But  Hull  betwixt  smoking  and  roasting, 

Despatch'd  his  proud  frigate  Guerriere ! 
Such  treatment  to  him  was  a  wonder, 

Which  served  his  proud  spirit  to  choke  ; 
And,  when  to  the  bottom  our  thunder 
Had  sent  her,  we  laugh'd  at  the  joke. 
Sing  lather  away,  jonteel  and  aisy, 

Brave  Hull  at  the  game  hob-or-nob, 
Is  the  boy  that  will  surely  amaze  ye, 
So  well  he  can  finish  the  job. 

T'other  day  worse  than  gout,  fit,  or  cholic, 

The  Wasp,  with  Rodgers,  Biddle,  and  Jones, 
So  terribly  stung  the  poor  Frolic  ! 

As  left  her  but  bare  skin  and  bones. 
She  struck,  but  what,  could  she  do  better; 

For  time,  there  was  none  to  delay, 
Indeed  it  must  terribly  fret  her 
To  see  she  could  not  run  away. 

Sing  lather  away,  jonteel  and  aisy, 

Brave  Jones  at  the  game  hob-or-nob, 
Is  the  lad  that  will  surely  amaze  ye 
So  well  he  can  work  by  the  job. 


NAVAL    SONGS. 


Now,  to  augment  our  brave  little  navy, 
And  add  to  the  strength  of  each  state, 
Decatur,  without  sauce  or  gravy, 

Has  dress'd  Alexander  the  Great ! 
By  my  soul,  to  prevent  further  trouble, 

And  save  a  disgraceful  downfall ; 
Since  they  find  all  resistance  a  bubble, 
They'll  strike  without  fighting  at  all. 
Sing  lather  away,  jonteel  and  aisy, 

Decatur,  to  play  hob-or-nob, 
Will  in  seventeen  minutes  amaze  ye, 
Huzza  !  'twas  a  quick  finish'd  job. 

And  again  has  our  good  Constitution, 

Whose  Guerriere-job  you  encored, 

Sent  the  Java  to  sound  the  deep  ocean, 

After  trimming  her  slick  by  the  board. 
Though  Lambert  for  nearly  two  hours 

Resisted  the  Yankees'  attack, 
The  flag  of  St.  George  at  length  cowers, 

And  the  stars  and  the  stripes  mount  the  wreck. 
Sing  lather  away,  jonteel  and  aisy 

When  Bainbridge  begins  hob-or-nob, 
In  the  end  never  fear  but  he'll  plaze  ye, 
So  completely  he'll  finish  the  job. 

Fifth  and  last  comes  the  brave  little  Hornet, 

And  meets  with  a  Peacock  so  gay  ; 
Yet  the  Yankee  makes  bold  e'en  to  scorn  it, 

And  clips  his  proud  plumage  away  ; 
A  short  half-glass  ere  they  were  crippled, 

The  Pea-chickens  flutter'd  around  ; 
When  their  Peake  bein^  struck  and  hull  riddled, 

They  hoisted  their  jack — union  down. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  233 

Sing-  lather  away,  jonteel  and  aisy, 
When  Lawrence  shall  try  hob-or-nob, 

He  takes  fourteen  minutes  to  amaze  ye, 
Constitutionally  ending  his  job. 

Then  huzza  for  the  lads  of  our  navy, 

Lawrence,  Bainbridge,  Decatur,  Jones,  Hull, 
When  they  either  despatch  to  old  Davy, 
Or  bring  home  the  ships  of  John  Bull. 
And  may  Congress,  the  seamen's  protectors, 

Reward  all  the  deeds  of  the  brave; 
And  Britain  still  find  us  the  victors 
Whene'er  we  contend  on  the  wave. 
So  lather  away,  jonteel  and  aisy, 

Columbians  all  play  hob-or-nob, 
And  our  seamen  will  never  disgrace  ye, 
They're  getting  so  used  to  the  job. 


118  THE  NAVY. 

When  Fame  shall  tell  the  splendid  story 
Of  Columbia's  naval  glory, 
Since  first  victorious  o'er  the  deep 
Our  eagle-flag  was  seen  to  sweep ; 
The  glowing  tale  will  form  a  page, 
To  grace  the  annals  of  the  age, 
And  teach  our  sons  to  proudly  claim 
The  brightest  meed  of  naval  fame. 
In  lofty  strains  the  bard  shall  tell 
How  Truxton  fought,  how  Somers  fell ! 
20* 


NAVAL   SOXGS. 

How  gallant  Preble's  daring  host 
Triumph'd  along  the  Moorish  coast; 
Forced  the  proud  Infidel  to  treat, 
And  brought  the  crescent  to  their  feet ! 

And  mark,  amidst  the  splendid  band 

That  guards  Columbia's  boundless  strand, 

The  youthful  hero  of  the  wave, 

Decatur,  bravest  of  the  brave  ! 

And  Rodgers,  whose  triumphant  name 

Sounds  from  the  trump  of  future  fame! 

And,  0  !  forget  not  in  the  song 

That  bears  my  country's  fame  along, 

Victorious  Hull,  and  conquering  Jones, 

Columbia's  own  intrepid  sons! 

Whose  matchless  skill,  and  well  served 

thunder, 
Struck  the  proud  flag  of  England  under; 
And  threw,  by  hearts  of  freemen  brave, 
The  British  lion  in  the  wave. 

Masters  of  verse  !  0,  still  proclaim 
In  song  sublime  their  glorious  fame, 
Till  time  evolves  the  fated  day 
That  sweeps  these  Union-States  away  ; 
Or,  verging  from  its  sinking  short-. 
The  rolling  ocean  foams  no  more  ! 

And  who  that  hears  this  splendid  story, 
This  brilliant  tale  of  naval  glory, 
Feels  not  the  patriot-warmth  and  fire 
Of  prophecy  his  soul  inspire  ? 
— Lifting  the  eternal  veil  away 
That  shrouds  futurity  from  day; 


NAVAL    SONGS.  235 

And,  after  many  a  deed  that  cheers 
The  distant  days  of  future  years, 
Reads  upon  every  standard  high, 
That  waves  our  eagle  to  the  sky, 
(With  warm  delight  and  proud  emotion,) 
"Columbia,  mistress  of  the  ocean!" 


119        THE  TRIDENT  OF  NEPTUNE. 

To  guard  the  free  pathway  of  his  watery  domain, 

For  ages  had  Neptune  his  trident  extended  ; 
And  nations  all  swore  they  the  law  would  maintain, 
Which  forbicl  that  its  rights   should  e'er  be  con- 
tended : 
But  Britain,  haughty  isle,  claiming  ocean  as  her  spoil, 
Set  afloat  her  wing'd  castles,  determined  to.  despoil ; 
And  the  god,  at  their  thunders,  with  terror  inspired, 
Presented  his  sceptre,  and  in  exile  retired. 

Long  he  view'd  the  usurper  triumph  o'er  the  expanse, 
As  mid  its  green  leaves  he  sat  forlorn  and  cheer- 
less; 
While  tyranny  and  rapine  o'er  its  azure  waves  advance, 

By  the  streamers  of  Albion  protected  and  fearless ; 
When,  the  solace  of  his  woes,  Columbia's  genius  rose, 
And  glory  fill'd  her  eye  while  it  lighten'd  on  her  foes ; 
For  the  wand  that  quells  the  billows  was  in  her  hand 

borne, 
Which  from  the  queen  of  ocean  her  warlike  sons  had 
torn. 


236  NAVAL    SONGS. 


"  Great  Father,"  the  Goddess  of  Liherty  exclaim'd, 
While  the  radiance  of  Heaven  on  her  countenance- 
brighten'd, 
"  With   thy  trident  thy  power  undiminish'd   is   re- 
claim'd  :" 
And   his   soul   spoke   its    joy   in   his   visage   that 
lighten'd, 
As  the  emblem  again  of  his  rule  on  the  main, 
Through  Columbia's  fair  hands,  he  from  usurpation 

gain'd  ; 
And  while  the  immortal  affection  waked  his  breast, 
He  announced  to  the  world  his  sovereign  behest : 

"Thy  virtues  the  glory  of  all  nations  transcend;  [ing, 
Be  thy  bliss  and  thy  greatness  through  ages  increas- 
The  rights  of  the  world  be  it  thy  task  lb  defend, 
And  the  reverence  of  empires  shall  ever  be  unceas- 
ing J 
The  fierce  tempest  of  war,  shall  be  driven  afar 
To  the  deep's  heaving  bosom  ;  no  more  your  peace  to 

mar, 
While  Hull's,  Jones',  and  Decatur's  fame,  cherish'd 

in  song 
Shall  your  annal's  proud  page  with  numerous  heroes 
throng." 


120    DECATUR  AND  THE  NAVY. 

Let  glory  proclaim  to  the  hills  of  the  west, 
The  triumph  of  Freedom  afar  ; 

Our  song  be  Decatur,  and  Liberty  blest, 
Huzza  to  the  brave  and  the  war. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  237 

The  gallant  commander  and  all  his  brave  band 

Rejoice  at  the  sight  of  the  foe ; 
Three  cheers,' give  the  signal ;  each  heart  and  each  hand 

Conspires  to  strike  the  first  blow. 

Then  furious  the  cannon's  fierce  thunderings  roar, 

Death  speedily  follows  the  blaze, 
The  dead  and  the  dying  lie  cover'd  with  gore, 

While  Freedom  the  contest  surveys. 

Sweet  Goddess  !  that  guides   us  to  glory  and  fame, 

And  rides  in  the  terrible  blast, 
Now  give  to  Decatur  a  glorious  name, 

That  long  as  his  country  shall  last. 

The  fierce  Macedonian  soon  yields  to  her  foe, 

She  yields  to  the  gallant  and  brave ; 
Success  to  our  sailors  wherever  they  go, 

And  in  death,  sweetest  peace  to  their  grave. 

Huzza  to  the  brave  that  triumphantly  ride, 

And  traverse  the  boisterous  sea, 
Columbia's  glory,  her  honour  and  pride, 

And  Freedom's  fair  bulwark  shall  be. 

Our  brave,  gallant  navy  shall  sooner  or  later, 

The  ocean,  victorious,  plough  : 
And  Liberty's  conquests,  with  noble  Decatur, 

Shall  make  the  proud  Albion  bow. 

The  tars  of  Columbia  were  born  to  be  brave, 

Their  birthright  is  liberty  blest; 
To  shield  it  from  insult,  from  ruin  to  save, 

Shall  long  be  the  pride  of  each  breast. 


NAVAL    SONGS. 


Then  hail  to  our  navy,  all  hail  in  a  bumper! 

Decatur,  and  Rodgers,  and  Hull : 
May    Rodgers    soon    meet    with    the    fierce    roving 
"Plumper," 

And  drub  his  old  friend  Johnny  Bull. 


121  OUR  NAVAL  HEROES. 

BY    A    SAILOR. 
Tane-^'Derry  doicn." 

The  frigates  of  England,  the  Queen  of  the  Seas, 
When  met  by  the  Yankees  were  conquer'd  with  ease : 
The  reason  is  obvious,  no  press-gangs  we  know; 
'Tis  as  freemen  we  fight,  as  such  conquer  our  foe. 

Fighting  Bob  (Bully  Dacres)  we  first  taught  to  fear, 
Who  commanded  a  frigate,  yclept  the  Guerriere  : 
A  sound  Constitution  quite  baffled  his  skill ; 
And  Hull  stuck  to  his  skirts  till  he  gave  him  his  fill. 

Then  Jones,  in  the  Wasp,  took  a  turn  with  the  Frolic, 
But  his  pills  were  so  strong  they  gave  Whinyates  the 

cholic ! 
Down  came  George's  cross  to  America's  stars, 
And  a  fresh  wreath  of  laurel  bedeck'd  our  bold  tars. 

The  next  was  Decatur,  in  the  United  States, 
Who  in  peace  or  in  war  will  indulge  tete-d-tetcs; 
The  proud  Macedonian,  by  him  doom'd  to  fall, 
He  carved  up,  a  fine  dish,  dress'd  with  powder  and 
ball! 


NAVAL    SONGS.  239 

How  the  proud  tars  of  Britain  will  storm  and  will  roar, 
When  they  hear  of  the  Java  off  St.  Salvador! 
That  Bainbridge  attack'd  her  with  brave  resolution, 
And  convinced  all  the  world  we'd  a  fine  Constitution! 

Then  Rodgers — but  stop,  he  has  done  nothing  yet, 
But  the  fame  gain'd  by  others  his  courage  will  whet ; 
And  should  he  meet  our  foes  wheresoever  he's  sent, 
He'll  hand  them  a  message  from  the  President! 


122  OUR  YANKEE  SHIPS. 

BY    J.  T.  FIELDS. 

Our  Yankee  ships  !  in  fleet  career, 

They  linger  not  behind, 
"Where  gallant  sails  from  other  lands 

Court  favouring  tide  and  wind. 
With  banners  on  the  breeze,  they  leap 

As  gayly  o'er  the  foam 
As  stately  barks  from  prouder  seas, 

That  long  have  learn'd  to  roam. 

The  Indian  wave  with  luring  smiles 

Swept  round  them  bright  to-day  ; 
And  havens  to  Atlantic  isles 

Are  opening  on  their  way  ! 
Ere  yet  these  evening  shadows  close, 

Or  this  frail  song  is  o'er, 
Full  many  a  straining  mast  will  rise 

To  greet  a  foreign  shore. 


240  NAVAL    SONGS. 

High  up  the  lashing  northern  deep, 

Where  glimmering  watch-lights  beam 
Away  in  beauty  where  the  stars 

In  tropic  brightness  gleam  ; 
Where'er  the  sea-bird  wets  her  beak, 

Or  blows  the  stormy  gale; 
On  to  the  water's  farthest  verge 

Our  ships  majestic  sail. 

They  dip  their  keels  in  even'  stream 

That  swell  beneath  the  sky; 
And  where  old  ocean's  billows  roll, 

Their  lofty  pennants  fly; 
They  furl  their  sheets  in  threatening  clouds 

That  float  across  the  main, 
To  link  with  love  earth's  distant  bays 

In  many  a  golden  chain. 


123  ODE, 

Written  for,  and  sung  at  the  Anniversary  of  the  American 
Independence,  July  4, 1806. 

Tune — "  Whilst  happy  in  my  native  land." 

Wide  o'er  the  wilderness  of  waves, 

Untrack'd  by  human  peril, 
Our  fathers  roam'd  for  peaceful  graves, 

To  deserts  dark  and  sterile. 
No  parting  pang,  no  long  adieu 

Delay'd  their  gallant  daring  ; 
With  them,  their  gods  and  country  too, 

Their  pilgrim  keels  were  bearing. 
All  hearts  unite  the  patriot  band  : 
Be  liberty  our  natal  land. 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

Their  dauntless  hearts  no  meteor  led, 

In  terror  o'er  the  ocean ; 
From  fortune  and  from  man  they  fled, 

To  Heaven  and  its  devotion. 
Fate  cannot  bend  the  high-born  mind 

To  bigot  usurpation ; 
They,  who  had  left  a  world  behind, 

Now  gave  that  world  a  nation. 

The  soil  to  till,  to  freight  the  sea, 

By  valour's  arm  protected, 
To  plant  an  empire  brave  and  free, 

Their  sacred  views  directed  : 
But  more  they  fear'd  than  tyrants'  yoke 

Insidious  faction's  fury ; 
For  oft  a  worm  destroys  an  oak, 

Whose  leaf  that  worm  would  bury. 

Thus  rear'd,  our  giant  realm  arose, 

And  claim'd  our  sovereign  charter ; 
Her  life-blood  warm  from  Adams  rose, 

And  all  her  sons  from  Sparta. 
Be  free,  Columbia  !  proudest  name 

Fame's  herald  wafts  in  story; 
Be  free,  thou  youngest  child  of  Fame; 

Rule,  brightest  heir  of  glory  ! 

Thy  Preble,  mid  the  battle's  ire, 

Hath  Afric's  towers  dejected : 
And  Lybia's  sands  have  flash'd  with  fire, 

From  Eaton's  sword  reflected. 
Thy  groves,  which  erst  the  hill  or  plain 

Entrench'd  from  savage  plunder, 
To  Naiads  turn'd,  must  cleave  the  main, 

And  sport  with  Neptune's  thunder. 
21 


242  NAVAL   SONGS. 

124  COLUMBIA. 

BY    JAMES    ELLISON. 

From  realms  where  mad  Ambition  reigns, 
And  Anarch  stalks  th'  embattled  plains  : 
Where  Europe  laves  in  purple  gore, 
And  Mars  leads  on  the  madden'd  war; 
Fair  Freedom,  exiled,  sought  our  coast, 

Here  fix'd  her  mild  and  peaceful  reign ; 
Oppression  fled  her  freeborn  host; 
Recoil'd  the  tyrants  of  the  main ! 
Then  shout,  Columbians,  brave  and  free, 
Ye  sons  of  glory — Liberty  ; 
From  age  to  age,  from  sire  to  son. 
Loud  shout  the  deeds  of  Washington! 
He  bade  your  eagle  (perch'd  on  high) 
Sound  independence  through  the  sky, 
Whilst  Jove's  dread  thunder  rock'd  the  world. 
And  on  your  foes  his  vengeance  hurl'd  ! 
Britannia  saw  her  armies  bleed, 

And  from  your  shores  her  squadrons  flee ; 
Reluctant  hail'd  (by  Heaven  decreed) 
Columbia  independent,  free. 
Then  shout,  Columbians,  fee. 
Now  to  the  azure  realms  of  light 
Columbia's  genius  wings  her  flight : 
There  sees  enthroned  with  gods  her  son, 
The  brave,  the  matchless  Washington  : 
He  speaks — enrapt  the  spheres  resound  ; 
Hark  !  'tis  your  hero's  sage  command  : 
Be  union  mid  your  councils  found, 
And  faction  banish'd  from  your  land  ; 
Then  shout,  Columbians,  &c. 


NAVAL   SONGS. 

Bid  the  proud  oaks  your  hill  descend 
To  guard  your  rights,  your  shore  defend  ; 
With  Neptune  share  his  lucid  plain, 
And  roll  your  thunder  o'er  the  main  : 
Then  should  "  Sea-Leopards"  battle  wage, 

Columbia's  free-born  tars  defy, 
Your  cannons  death-wing'd  bolts  shall  rage, 
Till  foes  proclaim  your  victory. 
Then  shout,  Columbians,  &c. 
Should  hostile  bands  again  invade, 
Your  sons  shall  quit  the  peaceful  shade, 
Each  breast  with  patriot  ardour  glow, 
With  godlike  courage  meet  the  foe  ; 

While  Eaton's  sword  protects  your  land, 

Columbian  Prebles  rule  the  sea.: 
Your  foes  shall  fly  the  victor-band, 
Still  leave  you  independent — free  ! 
Then  shout,  Columbians,  &c 


125  SONG 

Tune — "Rule  Britannia." 

When  Freedom's  star  its  last  bright  gleam 

O'er  Europe's  waste  had  shot  in  vain, 
Columbia  caught  the  expiring  beam, 
And  bore  it  o'er  the  western  main. 

Rule,  Columbia,  Columbia  ever  free, 
Heaven-born  child  of  liberty. 
Then  rose  a  world,  by  Heaven's  decree, 

Which  countless  years  unbless'd  had  lain, 
But  now  the  destined  sphere  to  be 
Of  Freedom's  pure  and  sacred  reign. 
Rule,  Columbia,  &c. 


244  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Then  ere,  Columbia,  thou  hadst  shared 

Of  empire's  car  the  trembling  rein, 
Thy  young  but  dauntless  soul  declared 
War's  storms  but  threaten  thee  in  vain. 
Rule,  Columbia,  &c. 
And  when,  ere  long,  with  stepdame  pride 

Britannia  mark'd  thy  opening  reign, 
Thy  Heaven-shielded  breast  defied 
The  tempest-shock  of  war  again. 
Rule,  Columbia,  &c. 
Thy  birth,  Columbia,  sons  so  brave; 

Thy  waters,  forests,  all  proclaim, 
Thy  destined  course  is  o'er  the  wave, 
And  ocean  is  thy  "  field  of  fame." 
Rule,  Columbia,  &c. 
Again,  behold  war's  bolts  are  hurl'd, 
Thy  eagle-flight  to  check  in  vain, 
For  still  thy  infant  flag,  unfurl'd, 

With  Freedom's  charter  sweeps  the  main. 
Rule,  Columbia,  &c. 
And  under  heaven  it  still  shall  spread 

Its  star-gemm'd  glories  o'er  the  main, 
While  Freedom's  sacred  beam  shall  shed 
Its  light  to  bless  Columbia's  reign. 
Rule,  Columbia,  &c. 


126  NAVAL  CHRONICLE. 

Tune — Pizarro. 

In  chorus  now  join,  while  my  hobby  I  sing : 
'Tis  the  deeds  of  our  tars  that  have  made  the  world 
rincr; 


NAVAL   SONGS.  245 

For  is  it  not  true,  where  their  flag  is  unfurl'd, 
Its  stars  have  beam'd  glory  to  dazzle  the  world? 

First  Dacres,  who  thought  he  the  Yankees  would  scare, 
Proudly  wrote  on  his  sail,  «  I'm  the  famed  Guerriere," 
Says  Hull,  "Are  you  there  !"  so  together  they  pull'd, 
In  forty-five  minutes  the  Guerriere  was  Hull'd  ! 

Next  Jones,  in  the  Wasp,  with  long  sting  in  her  tail, 
Cried,  "Luff  up,  my  boys,  'tis  an  enemy's  sail;" 
Soon  he  came  alongside — when  the  short  work  was 

done, 
He  gave  them  a  Frolic  as  sure  as  a  gun. 

Then  the  dauntless  Decatur,  that  warrior  of  might 
The  mad  Macedonian  encounter'd  in  fight; 
When  he  who  had  blubber'd  for  worlds  to  subdue, 
Soon  found  a  new  world  that  his  business  could  do. 

See  the  firm  Constitution,  our  Washington's  pride, 
With  Bainbridge  at  helm,  in  true  majesty  ride, 
Pour  a  stream  from  her  side,  like  Vesuvius'  red  lava, 
That  quite  overwhelm'd  the  whole  island  of  Java. 

Now  Burrows  the  valiant,  of  bold  Enterprise, 
His  skill  with  a  true  English  Boxer  he  tries : 
Though  he'd  ne'er  learn'd  the  art  from  Mendozas  or 

Cribbs, 
He  pounded  so  hard  that  he  broke  all  her  ribs. 

Then  a  Peacock  was  strutting  about  in  his  pride, 
When  a  Hornet  like  lightning  stuck  close  in  his  side, 
And  stung  him  so  sore  that  from  battle  he  turn'd : 
Noble  Lawrence  that  Peacock  in  ocean  inurn'd. 

From  its  ashes  a  Phoenix  old  Neptune  soon  rear'd, 
And  though  called  a  Peacock,  a  new  bird  appear'd, 
21* 


246  NAVAL   soxcs. 

Who,  quick  to  his  own  and  brave  Warrington's  fame, 
Made  prize  of  a  Hawk*  with  a  Frenchified  name. 

And  now  we've  a  Wasp  of  such  wonderful  force, 
As  Blakely  can  tell,  e'en  to  stop  rivers'  course, 
Since  the  Avon  no  longer  can  glide  to  the  sea, 
And  she  seized  on  a  Reindeer  and  made  him  her  prey. 

Wing'd  Hermes, f  the  light-finger'd  god  of  the  Greeks, 
Seized  the  trident  of  Neptune,  in  one  of  his  freaks, 
A  land-lubber,  at  Mobile,  his  godhead  defies, 
And  blew  Mr.  Mercury  back  to  his  skies. 

And  now  should  I  sing  of  the  fight  of  Charnplain, 
And  with  Erie's  bold  heroes  ennoble  my  strain, 
But  though  they  the  British  fleets  soundly  did  drub, 
Yet  the  tale  of  a  lake's  like  the  Tale  of  a  Tub. 

From  Britons  I'd  take  not  the  praise  that's  their  due, 
For  bravely  they  fight,  aye  and  skilfully  too; 
But  Greek  meeting  Greek,  comes  the  hard  tug  of  war, 
Though  Yankees  soon  prove  the  best  Grecians  by  far. 

Though  Valour  her  temple  has  form'd  in  the  breast 
Of  each  native  tar,  yet  the  pride  of  his  crest 
Is  the  fair  star  of  Mercy,  that  shines  ever  bright, 
To  cheer  the  lorn  captive  subdued  in  the  fight. 

But  hold,  should  I  sing  ev'ry  hero  of  fight, 
My  song  would  prevent  you  from  drinking  all  night ; 
Then  fill  ev'ry  glass  to  the  true  sons  of  Mars, 
The  heroes  of  ocean,  Columbia's  brave  tars. 


*  L'Epcrvier,  i.  e.  sparrow-lmwk. 

t  The  Hermes,  Captain  Percy,  was  blown  up  near  Fort 
Boyer,  in  the  Mobile. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  247 

127  A  YANKEE  SHIP  AND  A  YANKEE  CREW. 

BY   J.    S.    JONES. 

A  Yankee  ship  and  a  Yankee  crew, 

Tally  hi  ho,  you  know ; 
O'er  the  bright  blue  waves  like  a  sea-bird  flew  ; 

Sing  hey  aloft  and  alow. 
Her  wings  are  spread  to  the  fairy  breeze, 

The  sparkling  spray  is  thrown  from  her  prow  ; 
Her  flag  is  the  proudest  that  floats  on  the  seas, 

Her  homeward  way  she's  steering  now. 
A  Yankee  ship  and  a  Yankee  crew, 

Tally  hi  ho,  you  know ; 
O'er  the  bright  blue  waves  like  a  sea-bird  flew ; 

Sing  hey  aloft  and  alow. 

A  Yankee  ship  and  a  Yankee  crew, 

Tally  hi  ho,  you  know ; 
With  hearts  on  board  both  gallant  and  true, 

The  same  aloft  and  alow, 
The  blacken'd  sky  and  the  whistling  wind, 

Foretell  the  quick  approach  of  the  gale  ; 
A  home  and  its  joys  flit  o'er  each  mind 

Husbands  !  lovers !  "  on  deck  there,"  a  sail. 
A  Yankee  ship  and  a  Yankee  crew, 

Tally  hi  ho,  you  know  : 
Distress  is  the  word, — God  speed  them  through; 

Bear  a  hand,  aloft  and  alow. 

A  Yankee  ship  and  a  Yankee  crew, 

Tally  hi  ho,  you  know ; 
The  boats  all  clear,  the  wreck  we  now  view, 

"  All  hands"  aloft  and  alow. 


248  NAVAL    SONGS. 


A  ship  is  his  throne,  the  sea  his  world, 

He  ne'er  sheers  from  a  shipmate  distressed  ; 
All's  well — the  reefd  sails  again  are  unfurl'd, 

O'er  the  swell  he  is  cradled  to  rest. 
A  Yankee  ship  and  a  Yankee  crew, 

Tally  hi  ho,  you  know ; 
Storm  past,  drink  to  "  wives  and  sweethearts"  too, 

All  hands !  aloft  and  alow. 
A  Yankee  ship  and  a  Yankee  crew, 

Tally  hi  ho,  you  know, 
Freedom  defends,  and  the  land  where  it  grew — 

We're  free — aloft  and  alow. 
Bearing  down  is  a  foe  in  regal  pride, 

Defiance  floating  at  each  mast  head ; 
One's  a  wreck — and  she  bears  that  floats  alongside 

The  stars  and  stripes,  to  victory  wed. 
For  a  Yankee  ship  and  a  Yankee  crew, 

Tally  hi  ho,  you  know, 
Ne'er  strikes  to  a  foe  while  the  sky  is  blue, 

Or  a  tar's  aloft  or  alow. 


128  TO  THE  PENxXSYLVANIA  SHIP  OF  THE 
LINE. 

BY  W.  B.  TAPPAN. 

"  Leap  forth  to  the  careering  seas," 

0,  ship  of  lofty  name! 
And  toss  upon  thy  native  breeze 

The  stars  and  stripes  of  Fame ! 
And  bear  thy  thunders  o'er  the  deep 

Where  vaunting  navies  ride ! 
Thou  hast  a  nation's  gems  to  keep — 

Her  honour  and  her  pride! 


NAVAL    SONGS.  249 


0  !  holy  is  the  covenant  made 

With  thee  and  us  to-day ; 
None  from  the  compact  shrinks  afraid, 

No  traitor  utters,  Nay ! 
We  pledge  our  fervent  love,  and  thou 

Thy  glorious  ribs  of  oak, 
Alive  with  men  who  cannot  bow 

To  kings,  nor  kiss  the  yoke! 

Speed  lightnings  o'er  the  Carib  sea, 

Which  deeds  of  hell  deform  ; 
And  look  her  hands  are  spread  to  thee 

Where  Afric's  robbers  swarm. 
Go  !  lie  upon  the  iEgean's  breast, 

Where  sparkles  emerald  isles — 
Go !  seek  the  lawless  Suliote's  nest, 

And  spoil  his  cruel  wiles. 
And  keep  where  sail  the  merchant  ships. 

Stern  watch  on  their  highway, 
And  promptly,  through  thine  iron  lips, 

When  urged,  our  tribute  pay; 
Yea,  show  thy  bristling  teeth  of  power, 

Wherever  tyrants  bind, 
In  pride  of  their  own  little  hour, 

A  freeborn,  noble  mind. 

Spread  out  those  ample  wings  of  thine  ! — 

While  crime  doth  govern  men, 
'Tis  fit  such  bulwark  of  the  brine 

Should  leave  the  shores  of  Penn; 
For  hid  within  thy  giant  strength 

Are  germs  of  welcome  peace, 
And  such  as  thou,  shall  cause  at  length 

Man's  feverish  strife  to  cease. 


250  NAVAL    SONGS. 

From  every  vale,  from  every  crag, 

Word  of  thy  beauty's  past, 
And  joy  we  that  our  country's  flag 

Streams  from  thy  towering  mast — 
Assured  that  in  thy  prowess,  thou 

For  her  wilt  win  renown, 
"Whose  sons  can  die,  but  know  not  how 

To  strike  that  pennon  down. 


129  BOLD  HAWTHORNE,* 

Or,  the  cruise  of  the  Fair  American,  commanded  by  Capt. 
Daniel  Hawthorne. 

WRITTEN    BY    THE    SURGEON    OF    THE    VESSEL. 

The  twenty-second  of  August, 

Before  the  close  of  day, 
All  hands  on  board  of  our  privateer, 

We  got  her  under  weigh  ; 
We  kept  the  Eastern  Shore  along, 

For  forty  leagues  or  more, 
Then  our  departure  took  for  sea, 

From  the  isle  of  Mauhesran  shore. 


*  This  was  the  war  song  of  the  Salem  privateersmen  dur- 
ing the  Revolution,  and  is  copied  from  Ruins  W.  Grriawold'a 
manuscript  collection  oi  "American  Historical  Ballads," 
for  which  it  was  seven]  years  ago  taken  down  by  C.  A. 
Andrews.  Esq.,  from  the  months  of  the  surviving  shipmates 
of  Hawthorne,  who  wore  accustomed  to  meet  at  the  office  of 
the  Marine  Insurance  Company  in  Salem. 


NAVAL   SONGS.  251 

Bold  Hawthorne  was  commander, 
A  man  of  real  worth, 

Old  England's  cruel  tyranny- 
Induced  him  to  go  forth ; 

She,  with  relentless  fury, 
Was  plundering  all  our  coast, 

And  thought,  because  her  strength  was  great, 
Our  glorious  cause  was  lost. 

Yet  boast  not,  haughty  Britons, 

Of  power  and  dignity, 
By  land  thy  conquering  armies, 

Thy  matchless  strength  at  sea ; 
Since  taught  by  numerous  instances 

Americans  can  fight, 
With  valour  can  equip  their  stand, 

Your  armies  put  to  flight. 

Now  farewell  to  fair  America, 

Farewell  our  friends  and  wives ; 
We  trust  in  Heaven's  peculiar  care, 

For  to  protect  their  lives  ; 
To  prosper  our  intended  cruise 

Upon  the  raging  main, 
And  to  preserve  our  dearest  friends 

Till  we  return  again. 
The  wind  it  being  leading, 

It  bore  us  on  our  way, 
As  far  unto  the  southward 

As  the  Gulf  of  Florida  ; 
Where  we  fell  in  with  a  British  ship, 

Bound  homeward  from  the  main ; 
We  gave  her  two  bow-chasers, 

And  she  return'd  the  same. 


252  NAVAL    SONGS. 

We  hauled  up  our  courses, 

And  so  prepared  for  fight ; 
The  contest  held  four  glasses, 

Until  the  dusk  of  night ; 
Then  having  sprung  our  mainmast, 

And  had  so  large  a  sea, 
We  dropp'd  astern  and  left  our  chase 

Till  the  returning  day. 
Next  morn  we  fish'd  our  mainmast, 

The  ship  still  being  nigh, 
All  hands  made  for  engaging 

Our  chance  once  more  to  try ; 
But  wind  and  sea  being  boisterous 

Our  cannon  would  not  bear, 
We  thought  it  quite  imprudent 

And  so  we  left  her  there. 

We  cruised  to  the  eastward, 

Near  the  coast  of  Portugal, 
In  longitude  of  twenty-seven 

We  saw  a  lofty  sail ; 
We  gave  her  chase,  and  soon  perceived 

She  was  a  British  snow 
Standing  for  fair  America, 

WTith  troops  for  General  Howe. 

Our  captain  did  inspect  her 

With  glasses,  and  he  said, 
"  My  boys,  she  means  to  fight  us, 

But  be  you  not  afraid; 
All  hands  repair  to  quarters, 

See  every  thing  is  clear, 
We'll  give  her  a  broadside,  my  boys, 

As  soon  as  she  comes  near." 


NAVAL   SONGS. 

She  was  prepared  with  nettings, 

And  her  men  were  well  secured, 
And  bore  directly  for  us, 

And  put  us  close  on  board  ; 
"When  the  cannon  roar'd  like  thunder, 

And  the  muskets  fired  amain, 
But  soon  we  were  alongside 

And  grappled  to  her  chain. 

And  now  the  scene  it  alter'd, 
The  cannon  ceased  to  roar, 

We  fought  with  swords  and  boarding-pikes 
One  glass  or  something  more, 

Till  British  pride  and  glory- 
No  longer  dared  to  stay, 

But  cut  the  Yankee  grapplings, 
And  quickly  bore  away. 

Our  case  was  not  so  desperate 

As  plainly  might  appear ; 
Yet  sudden  death  did  enter 

On  board  our  privateer. 
Mahoney,  Crew,  and  Clemmons, 

The  valiant  and  the  brave, 
Fell  glorious  in  the  contest, 

And  met  a  watery  grave. 

Ten  other  men  were  wounded 

Among  our  warlike  crew, 
With  them  our  noble  captain,* 

To  whom  all  praise  is  due  ; 


*  Hawthorne  was  wounded  in  the  head  by  a  musket  ball. 
22 


254  NAVAL    SOXGS. 

To  him  and  all  our  officers, 
Let's  give  a  hearty  cheer ; 

Success  to  fair  America 
And  our  good  privateer  ! 


130  MOURNFUL  TRAGEDY  OF  JAMES  BIRD. 

Tune— The  Tempest. 

Sons  of  freedom,  listen  to  me  ! 

And,  ye  daughters,  too,  give  ear ! 
You  a  sad  and  mournful  story 

As  ever  was  told  shall  hear. 
Hull,  you  know,  his  troops  surrender'd, 

And  defenceless  left  the  west ; 
Then  our  forces  quick  assembled, 

The  invaders  to  resist. 

'Mong  the  troops  that  march'd  to  Erie 

Were  the  Kingston  volunteers, 
Captain  Thomas  then  commanded, 

To  protect  our  west  frontiers. 
Tender  were  the  scenes  of  parting, 

Mothers  wrung  their  hands  and  cried, 
Maidens  wept  their  swains  in  secret, 

Fathers  strove  their  tears  to  hide. 

But  there's  one  among  the  number, 

Tall  and  graceful  is  his  mien, 
Firm  his  step,  his  look  undaunted, 

Scarce  a  nobler  youth  was  seen ; 
One  sweet  kiss  he  snatch'd  from  Mary, 

Craved  his  mother's  prayers  once  more, 
Press'd  his  father's  hand,  and  left  them, 

For  Lake  Erie's  distant  shore. 


NAVAL   SONGS.  255 

Mary  tried  to  say,  "Farewell,  James," 

Waved  her  hand,  but  nothing  spake, 
"  Good-bye,  Bird,  may  Heaven  protect  you," 

From  the  rest  at  parting  broke. 
Soon  they  came  where  noble  Perry 

Had  assembled  all  his  fleet, 
There  the  gallant  Bird  enlisted, 

Hoping  soon  the  foe  to  meet. 

Where  is  Bird  ?  the  battle  rages, — 

Is  he  in  the  strife  or  no  1 
Now  the  cannons  roar  tremendous, 

Dare  he  meet  the  hostile  foe  % 
Ay — behold  him,  see  with  Perry 

In  the  self-same  ship  to  fight, 
Though  his  messmates  fall  around  him, 

Nothing  can  his  soul  affright. 
But,  behold,  a  ball  has  struck  him, 

See  the  crimson  current  flow, 
"  Leave  the  deck,"  exclaim'd  brave  Perry, 

"  No,"  cried  Bird,  "  I  will  not  go  ; 
Here,  on  deck,  I  took  my  station, 

Ne'er  will  Bird  his  colours  fly, 
I'll  stand  by  you,  gallant  captain, 

Till  we  conquer  or  we  die." 

Still  he  fought,  though  faint  and  bleeding, 

Till  our  stars  and  stripes  arose, 
Victory  having  crown'd  our  efforts, 

All  triumphant  o'er  our  foes. 
And  did  Bird  receive  a  pension  1 

Was  he  to  his  friends  restored  ! 
No — nor  never  to  his  bosom, 

Clasp'd  the  maid  his  heart  adored. 


256  NAVAL    SONGS. 


But  there  came  most  dreadful  tidings, 

From  Lake  Erie's  distant  shore, 
Better  if  poor  Bird  had  perish'd 

Midst  the  battle's  awful  roar  ; 
"  Dearest  parents,"  said  the  letter, 

"This  will  bring  sad  news  to  you, 
But  do  not  mourn  your  first  beloved, 

Though  this  brings  his  last  adieu  ! 

I  must  suffer  for  deserting 

From  the  brig  Niagara ; 
Read  this  letter,  brothers,  sisters, 

'Tis  the  last  you'll  have  from  me." 
Sad  and  gloomy  was  the  morning 

Bird  was  order'd  out  to  die  ; 
Where's  the  breast  not  dead  to  pity, 

But  for  him  would  heave  a  sigh  ? 

Lo  !  he  fought  so  brave  on  Erie, 

Freely  bled,  and  nobly  dared  ; 
Let  his  courage  plead  for  mercy, 

Let  his  precious  life  be  spared. 
See  him  march,  and  hear  his  fetters, 

Harsh  they  clank  upon  the  ear, 
But  his  step  is  firm  and  manly, 

For  his  heart  ne'er  harbour'd  fear. 

See !  he  kneels  upon  his  coffin  ! 

Sure  his  death  can  do  no  good, 
Spare  him;  hark!  0  God,  they've  shot  him, 

0  !  his  bosom  streams  with  blood  ! 
Farewell,  Bird,  farewell  forever, 

Friends  and  home  he'll  see  no  more, 
But  his  mangled  corpse  lies  buried 

On  Lake  Erie's  distant  shore. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  257 


131  THE  LADY  WASHINGTON. 

Come,  all  ye  bold  Northwestmen, 

Who  plough  the  raging  main, 
Come  listen  to  my  story 

While  I  relate  the  same  ; 
'Twas  of  the  Lady  Washington, 

Decoyed  as  she  lay 
At  Queen  Charlotte's  Island, 

In  North  America. 

On  the  sixteenth  day  of  June,  boys, 

In  the  year  of  ninety-one, 
The  natives  in  great  numbers 

On  board  our  ship  did  come ; 
Then  for  to  buy  our  fur  of  them 

Our  captain  did  begin, 
But  mark  what  they  attempted 

Before  long  time  had  been. 

Abaft  upon  our  quarter-deck, 

Two  stout  arm-chests  did  stand, 
And  in  both  of  them  were  left  the  keys, 

By  the  gunner's  careless  hand  ; 
Which  quickly  they  procuring, 

Of  them  did  make  a  prize, 
Thinking  we  had  no  other  arms 

For  to  defend  our  lives. 

Our  captain  spoke  unto  them, 

And  unto  them  did  say, 
"If  you'll  return  me  back  those  keys 

I  for  the  same  will  pay;" 

22* 


258  NAVAL   SONGS. 

No  sooner  had  he  spoke  these  words, 

Than  they  drew  forth  their  knives. 
Saying,  "The  vessel's  ours,  sir, 

And  we  will  have  your  lives." 
Our  captain  then  perceiving 

The  ship  was  in  their  hands, 
Upon  the  men  and  officers 

Laid  quickly  his  commands  : 
"Go  down  into  the  cabin, 

And  there  some  arms  prepare, 
See  that  they  are  well  loaded, 

Be  sure,  and  don't  miss  fire." 
Then  down  into  the  cabin, 

Straightway  we  did  repair, 
And  to  our  sad  misfortune 

Few  guns  could  we  find  there ; 
We  only  found  six  pistols, 

Two  small  swords,  and  a  gun, 
And  "  Blow  her  up,"  we  soon  agreed 

Was  all  that  could  be  done. 
Our  powder  we  got  ready, 

And  our  gun-room  open  laid  ; 
Our  souls  we  did  commit  to  God, — 

A  hurried  prayer  we  pray'd, — 
We  then  inform'd  our  captain, 

Saying,  "  Ready  now  are  we." 
He  says,  "A  signal  I  will  give, 

It  shall  be  » Follow  me.'  " 
All  this  time  upon  the  quarter-deck 

Each  man  was  forced  to  stand, 
With  twelve  of  these  cursed  savages 

With  knives  in  every  hand, 


NAVAL    SONGS.  259 

Till  one  of  these  blood-thirsty  hounds, 

He  made  a  spring  below, 
Then  cried  the  captain,  "  Follow  me," 

And  with  him  we  did  go. 
And  with  what  few  firearms  we  had, 

We  rush'd  on  deck  amain, 
And  by  our  being  resolute, 

Our  quarter-deck  did  gain ; 
Soon  as  we  reach'd  our  arm-chest, 

Such  slaughter  there  made  we, 
That  in  less  than  ten  minutes 

Our  ship  of  them  was  free. 
Then  we  threw  overboard  the  dead, 

That  on  our  deck  there  lay  ; 
And  finding  we'd  nobody  hurt, 

To  work  we  went  straightway. 
The  number  kill'd  upon  our  deck, 

That  day,  was  sixty  good, 
And  full  as  many  wounded, 

As  soon  we  understood. 
'Twas  early  the  next  morning, 

At  the  hour  of  break  of  day, 
We  sail'd  along  abreast  the  town, 

Which  we  came  to  straightway  ; 
We  call'd  all  hands  to  quarters, 

And  at  the  town  did  play, 
Till  we  made  them  return  the  things 

They'd  stole  from  us  that  day. 
I'd  have  you  all  take  warning, 

And  always  ready  be 
For  to  suppress  those  savages 

Of  Northwest  America ; 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

For  they  are  so  desirous 

Some  vessel  for  to  gain, 
That  they  will  never  leave  it  off- 

Till  most  of  them  are  slain. 
And  now  unto  old  China, 

We're  fastly  rolling-  on, 
Where  we  shall  drink  good  punch,  for  which 

We've  suffer'd  all  along. 
And  when  the  sixteenth  day  of  June, 

Around  does  yearly  come, 
We'll  drink  in  celebration 

Of  what  that  day  was  done. 
And  now  for  to  conclude, 

And  make  end  unto  my  song, 
Success  to  the  commander 

Of  the  Lady  Washington  ! 
Success  unto  his  voyages, 

Wherever  he  may  go  ; 
0  may  death  and  dire  destruction 

Always  attend  his  foe  ! 


132  A  WHALING  SONG. 

BY    DR.    J.    OSBOBN.* 

When  spring  returns  with  western  gales, 

And  gentle  breezes  sweep 
The  ruffling  seas,  we  spread  our  sails 

To  plough  the  watery  deep. 


*  Dr.  John  Osborn  was  born  at  Sandwich,  in  Massachu- 
setts, in  1713,  and  died  near  Boston  in  1753.  His  famous 
Whaling  Song  was  for  more  than  half  a  century  on  the 
tongue  of  every  Cape  Cod  sailor,  and  it  is  still  frequently 
heard  in  the  Pacific. 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

For  killing  northern  whales  prepared, 

Our  nimble  boats  on  board, 
With  craft,  and  rum,  (our  chief  regard,) 

And  good  provisions  stored. 

Cape  Cod,  our  dearest  native  land, 

We  leave  astern,  and  lose 
Its  sinking  cliffs  and  lessening  sands, 

While  Zephyr  gently  blows. 

Bold,  hardy  men,  with  blooming  age, 

Our  sandy  shores  produce  ; 
With  monstrous  fish  they  dare  engage, 

And  dangerous  callings  choose. 

Now  towards  the  early  dawning  east 

We  speed  our  courie  away, 
With  eager  minds  and  joyful  hearts 

To  meet  the  rising  day. 

Then,  as  we  turn  our  wondering  eyes, 
We  view  one  constant  show ; 

Above,  around,  the  circling  skies, 
The  rolling  seas  below. 

When  eastward,  clear  of  Newfoundland, 

We  stem  the  frozen  pole, 
We  see  the  icy  islands  stand, 

The  northern  billows  roll. 

As  to  the  north  we  make  our  way, 

Surprising  scenes  we  find ; 
We  lengthen  out  the  tedious  day, 

And  leave  the  night  behind. 


262  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Now  see  the  northern  regions  where 

Eternal  winter  reigns  ; 
One  day  and  night  fills  up  the»year, 

And  endless  cold  maintains. 

We  view  the  monsters  of  the  deep, 
Great  whales  in  numerous  swarms  ; 

And  creatures  there,  that  play  and  leap, 
Of  strange  unusual  forms. 

When  in  our  station  we  are  placed, 
And  whales  around  us  play, 

We  launch  our  boats  into  the  main, 
And  swiftly  chase  our  prey. 

In  haste  we  ply  our  nimble  oars, 

For  an  assault  desi<jn'd: 
The  sea  beneath  us  foams  and  roars, 

And  leaves  a  wake  behind. 

A  mighty  whale  we  rush  upon, 

And  in  our  irons  throw  ; 
She  sinks  her  monstrous  body  down 

Among  the  waves  below. 

And  when  she  rises  out  again, 
We  soon  renew  the  fight ; 

Thrust  our  sharp  lances  in  amain. 
And  all  her  rage  excite. 

Enraged  she  makes  a  mighty  bound  ; 

Thick  foams  the  whiten'd  sea; 
The  waves  in  circles  rise  around, 

And  widening  roll  away. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  263 

She  thrashes  with  her  tail  around, 

And  blows  her  redd'ning  breath  ; 
She  breaks  the  air,  a  deafening  sound, 

While  ocean  groans  beneath. 
From  numerous  wounds,  with  crimson  flood, 

She  stains  the  frothy  seas, 
And  gasps,  and  blows  her  latest  blood, 

While  quivering  life  decays. 
With  joyful  hearts  we  see  her  die, 

And  on  the  surface  lay  ; 
While  all  with  eager  haste  apply 

To  save  our  deathful  prey. 


133  SONG 

Written  upon  the  British  troops  landing  at  North  Point  with 
a  view  to  attack  Baltimore. — '1814. 

Tune. — "  Ye  Mariners  of  England." 

0,  haste,  ye  youthful  warriors,  fly 

To  seek  the  invaded  shore ; 
How  warms  each  heart !  how  fires  each  eye ! 

As  loud  the  cannons  roar ; 
They  land,  the  hostile  legions  ; 
Destruction  marks  their  way  ; 
But  we  go  to  meet  the  foe, 
Let  victory  crown  the  day. 
Remember  days  that  made  us  free, 

Let  victory  crown  the  day. 
When  Britain  meets  us  on  the  wave, 

Our  flag  triumphant  flies  ; 
Her  ships  soon  find  an  ocean  grave  ; 
Our  fame  salutes  the  skies ; 


264  NAVAL    SONGS. 

No  doubtful  foreign  foe  is  there 

To  fall  an  easy  prey  ; 

On  the  wave,  we  are  brave, 
And  victory  crowns  the  day. 

So  Lawrence  triumph'd  o'er  the  foe ! 
Let  victory  crown  the  day. 

Then,  warriors  on  shore,  be  brave, 
Your  wives  and  homes  defend  ; 
Those  precious  boons  be  true  to  save, 

And  hearts  and  sinews  bend. 
0,  think  upon  your  fathers'  fame  ; 
For  glory  marked  their  way ; 

And  this  foe  aimed  the  blow, 
But  victory  crown'd  the  day. 
Then  emulate  those  deeds  of  yore, 
Let  victory  crown  the  day. 

See !  see  !  their  sacred  warlike  forms  ! 

Ye  visions  glad  our  sight ! 
Bending  from  midst  surrounding  storms 

They  view  us  in  the  fight. 
Then,  comrades,  let  us  never  yield 
Or  stain  this  brilliant  day  ; 
Let  us  die  be  the  cry 
So  victory  crowns  the  day. 
Think  on  our  ocean  warriors1  fame  ; 
Let  victory  crown  the  day. 

They  fall !  they  fly  !  they  seek  the  wave 
That  wafts  them  from  the  shore — 

Haste — pursue — let  nothing  save; 
Quick  let  the  cannons  roar. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  265 

Now  from  the  battle's  rage  retum'd, 
Wives  and  children  throng  the  way  ; 

And  with  smiles  for  our  toils, 

Hail  victory's  happy  day, 
While  songs  of  joy  and  mirth  resound 

For  victory's  glorious  day. 


134      FIVE  TO  ONE  ;  OR,  HOTHAM'S 
VICTORY. 

Scene  on  board  the  admiral's  ship — Hotham  surrounded 
by  his  officers  and  crew,  who  come  forward  and  sing  the 
following : 

Come,  all  ye  noble  host, 

Britannia's  pride  and  boast, 
Let's  drink  our  noble  prince's  health,  in  brandy,  0  ! 

For  as  soon  as  he  gets  this, 

He'll  be  drunk  enough — with  bliss : 
And  swear  that  we  for  fighting  are  the  dandy,  O ! 

We  may  all  dance  and  jig  it, 

Now  we've  got  a  Yankee  frigate, 
And  every  one  shall  say  we  did  it  handy,  O  ! 

For  the  Endymion  and  Despatch, 

To  be  sure  she  was  a  match ; 
But  five  of  us  together  was  the  dandy,  0  ! 

We've  not  waited  for  dark  nights, 
And  assistance  from  Blue  Lights ! 
In  vain ;    and  as  sure  as  ever  lived  Tristram 
Shandy,  0 ! 
Every  circumstance  conspired 
To  aid  what  we  desired ; 
And  "  the  blunder  of  the  pilots"  was  the  dandy,  O ! 
23 


266  NAVAL    SONGS. 

No  matter  what  she  cost, 

Nor  how  many  lives  we've  lost ; 
The  news  will  be  to  Britain  sweet  as  candy,  0  ! 

Fat  aldermen  will  dine, 

Bells  ring,  and  windows  shine  ; 
For  if  we  can  catch  a  Yankee  'tis  the  dandy,  0  ! 

The  Tower  guns,  how  they'll  rattle, 

To  celebrate  this  battle, 
And  votes  of  thanks  are  ours  as  sure  as  can  be,  0  ! 

Though  only  two  made  fight, 

'Cause  the  squadron  was  in  sight, 
And  a  razee  and  three  frigates  was  the  dandy,  0  ! 

Now  we've  the  way  found  out, 

Such  rare  feats  are  brought  about, 
To  take  down  a  saucy  Yankee's  stripes,  so  handy,  0  ! 

When  permitted  by  the  weather, 

We'll  all  stick  close  together, 
And  when  caught  alone,  to  run  will  be  the  dandy,  0  ! 

Then  let's  toast  our  noble  prince, 

Who  forty  long  years  since, 
Has  set  the  example  bright  in  brandy,  0 ! 

This  news  will  raise  the  head 

Of  his  sire — if  he  is  not  dead  ! 
Who  so  oft  has  hobbled  Yankee  doodle  dandy,  0  ! 


135  THE  LAKE  SQUADRONS. 

BY  PHILIP  KRENKAU. 

The  brilliant  task  to  yon  assign'd 
Asks  every  effort  of  the  mind, 
And  every  energy  combined, 
To  crush  the  foe. 


NAVAL   SONGS.  267 

Sail  where  they  will,  you  must  be  there  : 
Lurk  where  they  can,  you  will  not  spare 
The  blast  of  death — but  all  things  dare 
To  bring  them  low. 

To  wield  his  thunders  on  Champlain, 
Macdonough  leads  his  gallant  train, 
And,  his  great  object  to  sustain, 

Vermont  unites. 
Her  hardy  youths  and  veterans  bold, 
From  shelter'd  vale  and  mountain  cold, 
Who  fought  to  guard  in  days  of  old 

Their  country's  rights. 
That  country's  wrongs  are  all  your  own, 
And  to  the  world  the  word  is  gone — 
Her  independence  must  to  none 

Be  sign'd  away. 
Be  to  the  nation's  standard  true, 
To  Britain,  and  to  Europe,  show 
That  you  can  fight  and  conquer  too, 

And  prostrate  lay 
That  bitter  foe,  whose  thousands  rise 
No  more  to  fight  us  in  disguise, 
But  count  our  freedom  for  their  prize, 

If  valour  fails ; 
Beneath  your  feet  let  fear  be  cast, 
Remember  deeds  of  valour  past, 
And  nail  your  colours  to  the  mast 

And  spread  your  sails. 
In  all  the  pride  and  pomp  of  war 
Let  thunders  from  the  cannon  roar, 
And  lightnings  flash  from  shore  to  shore, 

To  wing  the  ball. 


268  NAVAL    SONGS. 


Let  Huron  from  his  slumbers  wake, 
Bid  Erie  to  his  centre  shake, 
Till,  foundering  in  Ontario's  lake, 
You  swamp  them  all ! 


136  OX  THE  LAUNCHING 

Of  the  seventy-four  gun  ship  Independence,  at  Charles- 
ton, near  Boston. 

BF  PHILIP  FRENEAU. 

Our  trade  to  restore,  as  it  stood  once  before, 

We  have  launched  a  new  ship  from  the  stocks, 
Her  rate  is  our  first,  and  her  force  will,  we  trust, 

Be  sufficient  to  humble  the  hawks  ; 
The  hawks  of  old  England  we  mean,  don't  mistake, 
Some  harpies  of  England  our  prizes  we'll  make. 
Independence  her  name,  independent  our  minds, 

And  prepared  for  the  toils  of  the  sea, 
We  are  ready  to  combat  the  waves  and  the  winds, 

And  fight  till  the  ocean  is  free ; 
Then  away  to  your  stations,  each  man  on  our  list. 
Who,  when  danger  approaches,  will  never  be  miss'd. 
In  asserting  our  rights  we  have  rather  been  slow, 

And  patient  till  patience  was  tired  ;  [blow, 

We  were  plunder'd  and  press'd  ere  we  ventured  a 

Till  the  world  at  our  patience  admired, 
And  language  was  held,  of  contempt  and  disgrace, 
And  Europe  miscall'd  us  a  pitiful  race. 
'Twas  time  to  arise  in  the  strength  of  our  might 

When  Madison  published  the  war. 
And  many  have  thought  that  he  would  have  been  right, 

Had  he  publish'd  it  three  years  before  ; 


NAVAL    SONGS.  269 

While    France   was    unpester'd   with    traitors  and 

knaves, 
Nor  Europe  polluted  with  Wellington's  slaves. 

To  arm  for  our  country  is  never  too  late, 

No  fetters  are  yet  on  our  feet ; 
Our  hands  are  more  free,  and  our  hearts  are  as  great 

As  the  best  in  the  enemy's  fleet ; 
And  look  at  the  list  of  their  navy,  and  think, 
How  many  are  left  to  burn,  capture,  and  sink. 

Let  the  nations  of  Europe  surrender  the  sea, 

Or  crouch  at  the  foot  of  a  throne ; 
In  liberty's  soil  we  have  planted  her  tree, 
And  her  rights  will  relinquish  to  none; 
Then  stand  to  your  arms, 
Then  stand  to  your  arms, 
Then  stand  to  your  arms — half  the  battle  is  done  ; 
And  bravely  accomplish  what  valour  begun. 

The  day  is  approaching,  a  day  not  remote, 

A  day  with  impatience  we  hail, 
When  Decatur  and  Hull  shall  again  be  afloat, 

And  Bainb ridge  commission'd  to  sail : 
To  raise  his  blockades,  will  advance  on  the  foe, 
And  bulwark  with  Bull  to  the  bottom  will  go. 

On  the  waves  of  Lake  Erie  we  show'd  the  old  brag, 

We,  too,  could  advance  in  a  line, 
And  batter  their  frigates  and  humble  their  flag; 

"I've  met  them,"  said  Perry,  "they're mine  !" 
And  so,  my  dear  boys,  we  can  meet  them  again 
On  the  waves  of  the  sea  or  the  waves  of  Champlain. 
23* 


270  NAVAL    PONGS. 


To  the  new  Independence,  then  pour  out  a  glass, 

And  drink  with  the  sense  of  a  man  ; 
She  soon  will  be  ready,  this  pride  of  her  class, 

Sir  Thomas*  to  meet  on  his  plan  : 
He  hates  our  torpedoes — then  tease  him  no  more, 
Let  him  venture  his  luck  with  our  seventy-four. 
Then  stand  to  your  arms,  you  shall  ne'er  be  enslaved, 
Let  the  battle  go  on  till  the  nation  is  saved  ! 


137       ON  THE  LAKE  EXPEDITIONS. 

BY  PHILIP  FRENEAU. 

Where  Niagara's  awful  roar 

Convulsive,  shakes  the  neighbouring  shore, 

Alarm'd  I  heard  the  trump  of  war, 

Saw  legions  join  ! 
And  such  a  blast,  of  old  they  blew, 
When  southward  from  St.  Lawrence  flew 
The  Indian  to  the  English  true, 

Led  by  Burgoyne. 
United,  then,  they  sail'd  Champlain, 
United  now,  they  march  again, 
A  land  of  freedom  to  profane 

With  savage  yell. 
For  this  they  scour  the  mountain  wood; 
Their  errand  death,  their  object  blood  : 
For  this  they  stem  thy  subject  flood, 

O,  stream  Sore! ! 
Who  shall  repulse  the  hireling  host, 
Who  force  thoni  back  through  snow  and  frost, 
Who  swell  the  lake  with  thousands  lost. 

Dear  Freedom,  say ! 


*  Sir  Thomas  Hardy,  of  the  Ramilies  74. 


NAVAL    SONGS, 

Who  but  the  sons  of  Freedom's  land, 
Prepared  to  meet  the  bloody  band ; 
Resolved  to  make  a  gallant  stand 

Where  lightnings  play. 

Their  squadrons  arm'd  with  gun  and  sword, 
Their  legions,  led  by  knight  and  lord, 
Have  s"worn  to  see  the  things  restored 

Of  George  the  Goth  : 
Whose  mandate,  from  a  Vandal  shore, 
Impels  the  sail,  directs  the  oar, 
And,  to  extend  the  flames  of  war, 

Employs  them  both. 


138     THE  BATTLE  OF  LAKE  CHAMPLAIN, 

September  11,  1814, 
Between  the  British  squadron,  of  ninety-three  guns  and  one 
thousand  and  fifty  men,  and  the  American  fleet,  of  eighty- 
six  guns  and  eight  hundred  and  twenty  men.  The  Con- 
fiance,  of  thirty-nine,  and  the  Saratoga,  of  twenty-six  guns, 
were  the  flag-ships  of  the  two  commanders,  Downie  and 
Macdonough. 

BY  PHILIP  FRENEAU. 

Parading  near  Saint  Peter's  flood, 
Full  fourteen  thousand  soldiers  stood  ; 
Allied  with  natives  of  the  wood, 
With  frigates  sloops  and  galleys  near, 
Which  southward  now  began  to  steer  ; 

Their  object  was  Ticonderogue. 
Assembled  at  Missisqui  bay 
A  feast  they  held,  to  hail  the  day 
When  all  should  bend  to  British  sway 

From  Plattsburgh  to  Ticonderogue. 


NAVAL   SONGS. 

And  who  could  tell,  if  reaching  there 

They  might  not  other  laurels  share, 

And  England's  flag  in  triumph  bear 

To  the  capitol,  at  Albany  ! 

Sir  George  advanced  with  fire  and  sword, 
The  frigates  were  with  vengeance  stored, 
The  strength  of  Mars  was  felt  on  boarti, — 
When  Downie  gave  the  dreadful  word, 
"  Huzza  !  for  death  or  victory  !" 

Sir  George  beheld  the  prize  at  stake, 
And  with  his  veterans  made  the  attaek. 
Macomb's  brave  legions  drove  him  back  ; 
And  England's  fleet  approach'd  to  meet 
A  desperate  combat  on  the  lake. 

From  isle  La  Motte  to  Saranac,* 
With  sulphurous  clouds  the  heavens  were  black 
We  saw  advance  the  Confiance, 
Shall  blood  and  carnage  mark  her  track, 
To  gain  dominion  on  the  lake  1 

Then  on  our  ships  she  pour'd  her  flame, 
And  many  a  tar  did  kill  or  maim, 
Who  suffer'd  for  their  country's  fame, 
Her  soil  to  save,  her  rights  to  guard. 

Macdonough,  now,  began  his  play, 
And  soon  his  seamen  heard  him  say, 
"  No  Saratoga  yields  this  day, 

To  all  the  force  that  Britain  sends. 


*  A  river  which  rises  from  several  small  lakes  among  the 
mountains  to  the  westward  of  Lake  Champlain,  and,  after 
a  north-easterly  course  of  near  seventy-five  miles,  enters 
the  grand  lake  in  the  vicinity  of  Plattsburgh. 


NAVAL   SONGS.  273 

"  Disperse,  my  lads,  and  man  the  waist, 
Be  firm,  and  to  your  stations  haste, 
And  England  from  Champlain  is  chased, 
If  you  behave  as  you'll  see  me." 

The  fire  began  with  awful  roar; 
At  our  first  flash  the  artillery  tore 
From  his  proud  stand,  their  commodore, 
A  presage  of  the  victory. 

The  skies  were  hid  in  flame  and  smoke, 
Such  thunders  from  the  cannon  spoke, 
The  contest  such  an  aspect  took 

As  if  all  nature  went  to  wreck  ! 

Amidst  his  decks  with  slaughter  strew'd, 
Unmoved,  the  brave  Macdonough  stood, 
Or  waded  through  a  scene  of  blood, 

At  every  step,  that  round  him.stream'd 

He  stood  amidst  Columbia's  sons, 
He  stood  amidst  dismounted  guns, 
He  fought  amidst  heart-rending  groans, 
The  tatter'd  sail,  the  tottering  mast. 

Then,  round  about  his  ship  he  wore, 
And  charged  his  guns  with  vengeance  sore, 
And  more  than  jEtna  shook  the  shore — 
The  foe  confess'd  the  contest  vain. 

In  vain  they  fought,  in  vain  they  sail'd, 
That  day  ;  for  Britain's  fortune  fail'd, 
And  their  best  efforts  naught  avail'd, 
To  hold  dominion  on  Champlain. 


274  NAVAL    SONGS. 

So,  down  their  colours  to  the  deck 

The  vanquish'd  struck — their  ship's  a  wreck — 

What  dismal  tidings  for  Quebec, 

What  news  for  England  and  her  prince! 
For  in  this  fleet  from  England  won, 
A  favourite  project  is  undone  : 
Her  sorrows  only  are  begun — 
As  she  may  want,  and  very  soon, 

Her  armies  for  her  own  defence. 


139  SIR  PETER  PETRIFIED. 

On  the  modern  Sir  Peter  Parker's  expedition  to  Kent  Island, 
in  Chesapeake  Bay. — 1^14. 

BY  PHILIP  FRENEAU. 

Sir  Peter  came,  with  bold  intent, 
To  persecute  the  men  of  Kent, 

His  nag  aloft  display'd  : 
He  came  tfl  see  their  pleasant  farms, 
But  ventured  not  without  his  arms 

To  talk  with  man  or  maid. 
And  then  the  gallant  Colonel  Reed 
Said,  "  We  must  see  the  man,  indeed  ; 

He  comes,  perhaps,  in  want — 
Who  knows  but  that  his  stores  are  out: 
'Tis  hard  to  dine  on  mere  sour-krout, 

His  water  may  be  scant." 
He  spoke — but  soon  the  men  of  Kent 
Discoverd  what  the  errand  meant, 

And  some  discouraged,  said, 
"  Sir  Peter  comes  to  petrify. 
He  points  his  guns,  his  colours  liy. 

His  men  for  war  array'd  !" 


NAVAL    SONGS.  275 

Secure  as  if  they  own'd  the  land, 
Advanced  this  daring  naval  band, 

As  if  in  days  of  peace  ; 
Along  the  shore  they  prowling  went, 
And  often  ask'd  some  friends  in  Kent 

Where  dwelt  the  fattest  geese  1 

The  farmers'  geese  were  doom'd  to  bleed 
But  some  there  were  with  Colonel  Reed, 

Who  would  not  yield  assent; 
And  said,  before  the  geese  they  take, 
Sir  Peter  must  a  bargain  make 

With  us,  the  boys  of  Kent. 

The  Britons  march'd  along  the  shore, 
Two  hundred  men,  or  somewhat  more  ; 

Next,  through  the  woods  they  stray'd  : 
The  geese,  still  watchful,  as  they  went, 
To  save  the  capitol  of  Kent 

Their  every  step  betray 'd. 

The  British  march'd  with  loaded  gun, 
To  seize  the  geese  that  gabbling  run 

About  the  isle  of  Kent ; 
But,  what  could  hardly  be  believed, 
Sir  Peter  was  of  life  bereaved 

Before  he  pitch'd  his  tent. 

Some  Kentish  lad,  to  save  the  geese, 
And  make  their  noisy  gabbling  cease 

Had  took  a  deadly  aim  : 
By  Kentish  hands  Sir  Peter  fell, 
His  men  retreated  with  a  yell, 

And  lost  both  geese  and  game ! 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

Now,  what  I  say,  I  say  with  grief, 
That  such  a  knight,  or  such  a  chief, 

On  such  an  errand  died  ! 
When  men  of  worth  their  lives  expose 
For  little  things,  where  little  grows, 
They  make  the  very  geese  their  foes ; 

The  geese  his  fall  deride  : 

And,  sure,  they  laugh,  if  laugh  they  can, 
To  see  a  star  and  garter'd  man 
For  life  of  goose  expose  his  own, 
And  bite  the  dust  with  many  a  groan  ; 

"  Alas  !"  a  gander  cried, 
"  Behold,  (said  he,)  a  man  of  fame 
Who  all  the  way  from  England  came 
No  more  than  just  to  get  the  name 

Of  Peter  Petrified." 


140     ON  THE  NEW  AMERICAN  FRIGATE 
ALLIANCE.— 1778. 

BY  PHILIP  FRENEAU. 

As  Neptune  traced  the  azure  main 
That  own'd,  so  late,  proud  Britain's  reign, 
A  floating  pile  approach'd  his  car, 
The  scene  of  terror  and  of  war. 

As  nearer  still  the  monarch  drew, 
(Her  starry  flag  displayed  to  view,) 
He  ask'd  a  Triton  of  his  train, 
"  What  flag  was  this  that  rode  the  main  ? 


NAVAL   SONGS.  277 

"  A  ship  of  such  a  gallant  mien 
This  many  a  day  I  have  not  seen, 
To  no  mean  power  can  she  belong-, 
So  swift,  so  warlike,  stout,  and  strong. 

"  See,  how  she  mounts  the  foaming  wave, 
Where  other  ships  would  find  a  grave ; 
Majestic,  awful,  and  serene, 
She  sails  the  ocean  like  its  queen." 

"  Great  monarch  of  the  hoary  deep, 
Whose  trident  awes  the  waves  to  sleep," 
(Replied  a  Triton  of  his  train,) 
"  This  ship  that  stems  the  western  main, 

"To  those  new,  rising  states  belongs, 
Who,  in  resentment  of  their  wrongs, 
Oppose  proud  Britain's  tyrant  sway, 
And  combat  her  by  land  and  sea; 

"This  pile,  of  such  superior  frame, 
From  their  strict  union  takes  her  name. 
For  them  she  cleaves  the  briny  tide, 
While  terror  marches  by  her  side. 

"  When  she  unfurls  her  flowing  sails, 
Undaunted  by  the  fiercest  gales, 
In  dreadful  pomp  she  ploughs  the  main, 
While  adverse  tempests  rage  in  vain. 

"  When  she  displays  her  gloomy  tier, 
The  boldest  foes  congeal  with  fear, 
And,  owning  her  superior  might, 
Seek  their  best  safety  in  their  flight. 

"  But  when  she  pours  the  dreadful  blaze, 
And  thunder  from  her  cannon  plays, 
24 


278  NAVAL   SONGS. 

The  bursting  flash  that  wiri^s  the  ball 
Compels  those  foes  to  strike  or  fall. 

"Though  she,  with  her  triumphant  crew, 
Might  to  their  fate  all  foes  pursue  ; 
Yet,  faithful  to  the  land  that  bore, 
She  stays  to  guard  her  native  shore. 

"Though  she  might  make  the  cruisers  groan 

That  sail  within  the  torrid  zone, 

She  kindly  lends  a  nearer  aid, 

Annoys  them  here,  and  guards  the  trade. 

"Now,  traversing  the  eastern  main, 
She  greets  the  shores  of  France  and  Spain ; 
Her  gallant  flag,  display'd  to  view, 
Invites  the  old  world  to  the  new. 

"This  task  achieved,  behold  her  go 
To  seas  congeal'd  with  ice  and  snow, 
To  either  tropic,  and  the  line, 
Where  suns  with  endless  fervour  shine. 

"  Not,  Argo,  on  thy  decks  were  found 
Such  hearts  of  brass  as  here  abound; 
They  for  their  golden  fleece  did  fly, 
These  sail — to  vanquish  tyranny." 


141  BARNEY'S  INVITATION. 

BY  PHILIP  FRENE.U '. 

Come,  all  ye  lads  who  know  no  fear, 
To  wealth  and  honour  with  me  steer 
In  the  Hyder  Ali  privateer, 

Commanded  by  brave  Barney. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  279 


She's  new,  and  true,  and  tight,  and  sound, 
Well  rigg'd  aloft,  and  all  well  found  ; 
Come  away,  and  be  with  laurel  erown'd, 
Away,  and  leave  your  lasses. 

Accept  our  terms  without  delay, 

And  make  your  fortunes  while  you  may, 

Such  offers  are  not  every  day 

In  the  power  of  the  jolly  sailor. 

Success  and  fame  attend  the  brave, 
But  death  the  coward  and  the  slave, 
Who  fears  to  plough  the  Atlantic  wave, 
To  seek  the  bold  invaders. 

Come,  then,  and  take  a  cruising  bout, 
Our  ship  sails  well  there  is  no  doubt, 
She  has  been  tried  both  in  and  out, 
And  answers  expectation. 

Let  no  proud  foes,  whom  Europe  bore, 
Distress  our  trade,  insult  our  shore ; 
Teach  them  to  know  their  reign  is  o'er, 
Bold  Philadelphia  sailors  ! 

We'll  teach  them  how  to  sail  so  near, 
Or  to  venture  on  the  Delaware, 
When  we  in  warlike  trim  appear, 
And  cruise  without  Henlopen. 

Who  cannot  wounds  and  battles  dare 
Shall  never  clasp  the  blooming  fair; 
The  brave  alone  their  charms  should  share  ; 
The  brave  are  their  protectors. 


280  NAVAL    SONGS. 

With  hand  and  heart  united  all, 
Prepared  to  conquer  or  to  fall, 
Attend,  my  lads,  to  honour's  call, 
Embark  in  our  Hyder  Ali. 

From  an  eastern  prince  she  takes  her  name, 
Who,  smit  with  freedom's  sacred  flame, 
Usurping  Britons  brought  to  shame, 
His  country's  wrongs  avenging. 

See,  on  her  stern,  the  waving  stars ; 
Inured  to  blood,  inured  to  wars, 
Come,  enter  quick,  my  jolly  tars, 

To  scourge  these  warlike  Britons. 

Here's  grog  enough ;  then  drink  about, 
I  know  your  hearts  are  firm  and  stout ; 
American  blood  will  never  give  out, 
And  often  we  have  proved  it. 

Though  stormy  oceans  round  us  roll, 
We'll  keep  a  firm,  undaunted  soul, 
Befriended  by  the  cheering  bowl, 
Sworn  foes  to  melancholy  : 

While  timorous  landsmen  lurk  on  shore, 
'Tis  ours  to  go  where  cannons  roar ; 
On  a  coasting  cruise  we'll  go  once  more, 
Despisers  of  all  danger; 

And  fortune  still,  who  crowns  the  brave, 
Shall  guard  us  o'er  the  gloomy  wave  ; 
A  fearful  heart  betrays  a  knaw  ; 
Success  to  the  Hyder  Ali. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  281 


142     ON   THE    BRITISH   BLOCKADE,    AND 
EXPECTED  ATTACK  ON  NEW  YORK. 

1814. 

BY  PHILIP  FRENEAU. 

Old  Neversink*  with  bonnet  blue, 
The  present  times  may  surely  rue 
When  told  what  England  means  to  do  ; 

Where  from  the  deep  his  head  he  rears 
The  din  of  war  salutes  his  ears, 
That  teased  him  not  for  thirty  years. 

He  eastward  looks  towards  the  main 
To  see  a  noisy  naval  train 
Invest  his  bay,  our  fleets  detain. 

What  can  be  done  in  such  a  case  ] — 
His  rugged  heights  the  blast  must  face, 
The  storm  that  menaces  the  place. 

With  tents  I  see  his  mountain  spread, 
The  soldier  to  the  summit  led, 
And  cannon  planted  on  his  head  : 

From  Shrewsbury  beach  to  Sandy  Hook 
The  country  has  a  martial  look, 
And  Quakers  skulk  in  every  nook. 


*  The  Highlands,  a  little  southward  of  Sandy  Hook ;  be- 
ing a  tract  of  bold,  high  country,  several  thousand  acres  in 
extent ;  to  the  southward  of  which  there  is  no  land  that  may 
be  termed  mountainous,  on  the  whole  coast  of  the  Urfited 
States  to  Cape  Florida.  The  real  aboriginal  name  of  this 
remarkable  promontory  was  Navesink,  since  corrupted  into 
Neversink. 

24* 


282  NAVAL    SONGS. 

What  shall  be  done  in  such  a  case  1 

We  ask  again  with  woful  face, 

To  save  the  trade  and  guard  the  place  ? 

"Where  mounted  guns  the  port  secure, 
The  cannon  at  the  embrasure, 
Will  British  fleets  attempt  to  moor  ? 

Perhaps  they  may — and  make  a  dash 
To  fill  their  pockets  with  our  cash — 
Their  dealings  now  are  rather  harsh. 

They  menace  to  assail  the  coast 
With  such  a  fleet  and  such  a  host 
As  may  devour  us,  boil'd  or  roast. 

Their  feelings  are  alive  and  sore 
For  what  they  got  at  Baltimore, 
When,  with  disgrace,  they  left  the  shore, 

And  will  revenge  it,  if  they  can, 

On  town  and  country,  maid  and  man  ; 

And  all  they  fear  is  Fulton's  plan ; 

Torpedoes  planted  in  the  deep, 
Whose  blast  may  put  them  all  to  sleep. 
Or  ghostify  them  at  a  sweep. 

Another  scheme,  entirely  new. 
Is  hammering  on  his  anvil  too, 
That  frightens  Christian,  Turk  and  Jew. 

A  frigate,*  mounting  thirty-six  ! — 
Whoe'er  with  her  a  quarrel  picks 
Will  little  get  but  cutis  and  kicks. 

*  The  steam  frigate,  Fulton  the  First :  "  Qui  me  percel- 
lit,  morti  debetur ;"  "Who  strikes  at  me  to  death  is 
doomed!" 


NAVAL    SONGS.  283 

A  frigate  meant  to  sail  by  steam  ! — 
How  can  she  else  but  torture  them, 
Be  proof  to  all  their  fire  and  flame  ! 

A  feast  she  cooks  for  England's  sons, 
Of  scalded  heads  and  broken  bones, 
Discharged  from  iron-hearted  guns. 

Black  Sam*  himself,  before  he  died, 
Such  suppers  never  did  provide  ; 
Such  dinners  roasted,  boil'd,  and  fried. 

To  make  a  brief  of  all  I  said, 

If  to  attack  they  change  blockade, 

Their  guard-ships  shall  be  well  repaid 

With  water  scalding  from  the  pot, 
With  melted  lead,  and  flaming  shot, 
With  vollies  of — I  know  not  what. 

The  British  lads  will  be  so  treated  : 
Their  wooden  walls  will  be  so  heated, 
Their  ruin  will  be  soon  completed. 

Our  citizens  shall  stare  and  wonder — 
The  Neversink  repel  their  thunder, 
And  Cockburn  miss  a  handsome  plunder. 


*  A  character  well  known  in  New  York,  several  years 
since,  remarkable  for  elegance  and  luxurious  refinements  in 
the  art  of  cookery. 


284  NAVAL    SONGS. 


143     EN  MEMORY  OF  JAMES  LAWRENCE, 
ESQUIRE, 

Late  commander  of  the  United  States  frigate  Chesapeake, 
who  fell  in  the  action  with  the  British  ship  of  war  Shannon, 
June  1st,  1813. 

BY  PHILIP  FRENEAU. 
Semper  honoratum  habebo. —  Virg. 
To  lift  his  name  to  high  renown, 
His  native  merits  led  the  way ; 
His  morning  sun  resplendent  shone 

Till  clouds  obscured  the  fading  ray  : 
His  country's  voice  his  worth  confess'd, 
His  country's  tears  disclose  the  rest. 

In  battle  brave,  his  lofty  mind 

Aspired  to  all  that  fame  relates 
Of  those  whom  on  her  page  we  find, 

Defenders  of  insulted  states  : 
Of  all  who  fought,  of  all  who  fell, 
The  noblest  part  he  copied  well. 

For  Lawrence  dead,  his  Jersey  mourns, 
With  tearful  eyes  laments  the  day, 

When  all  the  worth  that  men  adorns 
One  fatal  moment  snatch'd  away  ! 

On  honour's  bed  his  doom  he  found, 

In  honour's  cause  the  deadly  wound. 

To  what  vast  heights  his  mind  aspired, 
Who  knew  him  best  can  best  relate : — 

A  longer  term  the  cause  required 
That  urged  him  to  an  early  fate : 

But  He,  whose  fires  illumed  his  breast, 

Knew  what  was  riefat  and  what  was  best. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  285 

His  country  to  her  breast  receives 

His  mangled  form,  and  holds  it  dear ; 
She  plants  her  marble,  while  she  grieves, 
Where  all,  who  read,  might  drop  a  tear. 
And  say,  while  memory  calls  to  mind 
The  chief,  who  with  our  worthies  shined, 
Here  Lawrence  rests,  his  country's  pride, 
On  valour's  decks  who  fought  and  died  ! 


144    ON  THE  CAPTURE  OF  THE  UNITED 
STATES  FRIGATE  ESSEX, 

Of  thirty-two  guns,  David  Porter,  Esq.,  commander,  in 
the  neutral  port  of  Valparaiso,  on  the  coast  of  Chili,  in 
South  America,  January,  1814,  by  the  British  frigate  Phoebe, 
Captain  Hillyer,  of  forty-nine  guns,  and  the  Cherub,  of  thirty- 
two  guns. 

BY  PHILIP  FRENEAU. 
"All  the  devils  were  there,  and  hell  was  empty!" 
From  cruising  near  the  southern  pole, 
Where  wild  Antarctic  oceans  roll, 
With  a  gallant  crew,  a  manly  soul, 

Heroic  Porter  came. 
Then,  weathering  round  the  stormy  cape,* 
And  facing  death  in  every  shape, 
Which  Ansonj-  hardly  could  escape, 
(So  says  the  page  of  fame,) 

*  Cape  Horn ;  being  the  most  southern  extremity  of  the 
island  of  Terra  del  Fuego,  which  is  separated  from  the  con- 
tinent of  America  by  the  straits  of  Magellan,  lat.  56°  S., 
long.  67°  26'  West. 

t  See  Lord  Anson's  voyage  round  the  world,  between 
1740  and  1744,  by  his  chaplain,  the  Rev.  Richard  Walter. 
The  terrors  and  dangers  of  a  winter  passage  round  Cape 


286  NAVAL    SOXGS. 


He  made  the  high  Chilesian  coast, 

The  Andes,  half  in  vapour  lost, 

The  Andes  topp'd  with  snow  and  frost, 

Eternal  winter's  reign  ! 
Then,  to  the  merged  western  gale, 
He  spread  the  broad  Columbian  sail ; 
And,  Valparaiso,  thy  fair  vale 

Received  him  with  his  men. 

There,  safely  moor'd,  his  colours  fly, 
Columbia's  standard  waved  on  high : 
The  neutral  port,  his  friends,  were  nigh  ; 

So  gallant  Porter  thought ; 
Nor  deem'd  a  foe  would  heave  in  sight, 
Regardless  of  all  neutral  right ; 
And  yet  that  foe  he  soon  must  fight, 

And  fight  them  as  he  ought. 

His  Essex  claim'd  his  fondest  care, 
With  her  he  every  storm  could  dare, 
With  her,  to  meet  the  blast  of  war, 

His  soul  was  still  in  trim  ; 
In  her  he  cruised  the  northern  main, 
In  her  he  pass'd  the  burning  line, 
In  her,  he  all  things  could  attain, 

If  all  would  act  like  him. 

At  length,  two  hostile  ships  appear, 
And  for  the  port  they  boldly  steer; 
The  Phoebe  first,  and  in  her  rear 
The  Cherub,  all  secure. 


Horn  into  the  Western  Ocean,  arc  depicted  in  that  work  by 
a  masterly  hand  who  was  witness  to  the  scene. 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

They  loom'd  as  gay  as  for  a  dance, 
Or  ladies  painted  in  romance — 
Do  mind  how  boldly  they  advance, 
Who  can  their  fire  endure  1 

The  Phcebe  mounted  forty-nine, 

All  thought  her  on  some  grand  design — 

Does  she  alone  the  fight  decline  1 

Say,  Captain  Hillyer,  say"? 
The  Cherub's  guns  were  thirty-two, 
And,  Essex  !  full  a  match  for  you — 
Yet,  to  her  bold  companion  true, 

She  hugg'd  her  close  that  day. 
Ye  powers  that  rule  the  southern  pole ! 
Are  these  the  men  of  English  soul  1 
Do  these,  indeed,  the  waves  control  ? 

Are  these  the  ocean's  lords  1 
Though  challenged  singly  to  the  fight, 
(As  Porter,  Hillyer  did  invite,) 
These  men  of  spunk,  these  men  of  might, 

Refused  to  measure  swords  ! 
"  What !  fight  alone  !"  bold  Hillyer  said— 
"  I  will  not  fight  without  my  aid — 
The  Cherub  is  for  war  array'd, 

And  she  must  do  her  share !" 
Now  Porter  saw  their  dastard  plan — 
To  fight  them  both  was  surely  vain  ; 
We  should  have  thought  the  man  insane 

That  would  so  madly  dare. 
Then,  hands  on  deck  !  the  anchor  weigh  ! 
And  for  the  sea^  he  left  the  bay, 
A  running  fight  to  have  that  day, 

And  thus  escape  his  foes. 


NAVAL   SOXGS. 

But,  O  !  distressing  to  relate, 
As  round  a  point  of  land  he  beat 
A  squall  from  hell  the  ship  beset, 
And  her  maintopmast  goes. 

Unable  to  attain  that  end, 

He  turns  toward  the  neutral  friend, 

And  hoped  protection  they  might  lend, 

But  no  protection  found. 
In  this  distress  the  foe  advanced — 
With  such  an  eye  at  Essex  glanced  ! 
And  such  a  fire  of  death  commenced, 

As  dealt  destruction  round. 

With  every  shot  they  raked  the  deck, 
Till  mingled  ruin  seized  the  wreck  ; 
No  valour  could  the  ardour  check 

Of  England's  martial  tars  ! 
One  hundred  men  the  Essex  lost : 
But  Phcebe  found,  and  to  her  cost, 
That  Porter  made  them  many  a  ghost 

To  serve  in  Satan's  wars. 

O  !  clouded  scene  ! — yet  must  I  tell 
Columbia's  flag  indignant  fell — 
To  Essex,  now,  we  bid  farewell — 

She  wears  the  English  flag  ! 
But,  Yankees,  she  has  none  on  board, 
To  point  the  gun  or  wield  the  sword  ; 
And  though  commanded  by  a  lord 

They'll  have  no  cause  to  brag. 


NAVAL    SONGS,  289 


145    LOSS  OF  THE  PRIVATEER  BRIGANTINE 
GENERAL  ARMSTRONG, 

Captain  Samuel  C.  Reid,  of  New  York,  which  sailed 
from  Sandy  Hook,  on  a  cruise,  the  9th  of  September,  1814, 
and  on  the  26th  came  to  anchor  in  the  road  of  Fayal,  one  of 
the  Azores,  or  Western  Islands,  a  neutral  port  belong  to  the 
crown  of  Portugal.  She  anchored  in  that  port  for  the  pur- 
pose of  procuring:  a  supply  of  fresh  water,  when  she  was 
attacked  by  the  British  ship  of  war  Plantagenet,  of  seventy- 
four  guns,  Captain  Lloyd ;  the  Rota  frigate  of  thirty-six  guns, 
and  the  armed  national  brig  Carnation,  of  eighteen  guns,  and 
many  barges  of  considerable  force,  all  of  which  she  repulsed 
with  an  immense  slaughter,  and  was  then  scuttled  and  sunk 
by  order  of  Captain  Reid,  to  prevent  her  falling  into  the 
hands  of  the  enemy. 

BY  PHILIP  FRENEAU. 

The  Armstrong  arrived  in  the  port  of  Fayal, 
And  her  actions  of  valour  we  mean  to  recall ; 
Brave  Reid,  her  commander,  his  valorous  crew, 
The  heroes  that  aided,  his  officers,  too. 

Shall  it  fall  to  their  lot 

To  be  basely  forgot  1 
O,  no  !  while  a  bard  has  a  pen  to  command 
Their  fame  shall  resound  through  American  land. 

In  the  road  of  Fayal,  when  their  anchors  were  cast, 
The  British  were  watching  to  give  them  a  blast ; 
Not  far  from  the  port,  for  destruction  sharp  set, 
Lay  the  Rota,  Carnation,  and  Plantagenet : 

With  a  ship  of  the  line 

Did  a  frigate  combine, 
And  a  brig  of  great  force,  with  her  boats  in  the  rear, 
To  capture  or  burn  one  New  York  privateer  ! 
25 


290  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Four  boats  from  the  brig  were  despatch'd  in  great 

haste, 
And  onward  they  came  of  the  Armstrong  to  taste  ; 
To  taste  of  her  powder,  to  taste  of  her  ball, 
To  taste  of  the  death  she  must  hurl  on  them  all ! 

They  came  in  great  speed, 

And  with  courage,  indeed, 
Well  mann'd,and  well  arm'd — so  they  got  alongside, 
Destruction  their  motto,  damnation  their  guide. 

Now  the  Armstrong,  with  vengeance,  had  open'd  her 

fire, 
And  gave  them  as  much  as  they  well  could  desire; 
A  score  of  them  fell — full  twenty  fell  dead — 
Then  "  quarters  !"  they  cried,  and  disgracefully  fled  : 

To  their  ships  they  return'd 

Half  shatter'd  and  burn'd — 
Not  quite  in  good  humour,  perhaps  in  a  fret, 
And  waited  new  orders  from  Plantagenet. 

Then  the  Armstrong  haul'd  in,  close  abreast  of  the 

beach, 
So  near,  that  a  pistol  the  castle  would  reach ; 
And  there  she  awaited  the  rest  of  their  plan, 
And  there  they  determined  to  die  to  a  man, 
Ere  the  lords  of  the  waves, 
With  their  sorrowful  slaves, 
The  tyrants  who  claim  the  command  of  the  main, 
With  strength,  though  superior,  their  purpose  should 

gain. 
And  now  the  full  moon  had  ascended  the  sky. 
Reid  saw  by  her  light  that  the  British  were  nigh  : 
The  bell  of  Fayal  told  the  hour — it  was  nine — 
When  the  foe  was  observed  to  advance  in  a  line; 


NAVAL   SONGS. 

They  manoeuvred  a  while, 

With  their  brig,  in  great  style, 
Till  midnight  approach'd,  when  they  made  their  at- 
tack, 
Twelve  boats  fall  of  men,  and  the  brig  at  their  back  ;. 

They  advanced  to  the  conflict  as  near  as  they  chose, 
When  the  Armstrong  her  cannon  discharged  on  her 

foes ; 
The  town  of  Fayal  stood  aghast  in  amaze, 
The  Armstrong  appear'd  like  all  hell  in  a  blaze  ! 

At  the  blast  of  Long  Tom 

The  foe  was  struck  dumb : 
0  Lord !  are  the  sons  of  old  England  alarm'd  1 
With  music  like  this  they  were  formerly  charm'd  ! 

Huzza  for  old  England  !  three  cheers  and  a  damn  ! 
And  up  to  the  conflict  they  manfully  came ; 
On  the  bows  and  the  quarters  they  grappled  a  hold, 
And  "board"  was  the  word  in  those  barges  so  bold  ; 
But  board  they  could  not — to  no  devil  she  strikes, 
So  the  Armstrong  repelled  them  with  pistols  and 
pikes ; 

From  her  musketry  fire 

They  by  dozens  expire  : 
And  soon  was  the  work  of  destruction  complete, 
And  soon  was  determined  their  total  defeat ! 

Three  hundred  brave  fellows  were  wounded  and  kill'd, 
Their  boats  and  their  barges  with  slaughter  were  fill'd ; 
With  shame  they  retreated,  the  few  that  remain'd 
To  tell  the  event  of  the  battle — not  gain'd : 

Their  commander-in-chief 

Was  astounded  with  grief! 


292  NAVAL    SONGS. 


<k  Don't  grieve,  my  good  fellows,"  he  hail'd  them,  "  I 

beg; 
I,  too,  have  my  wounds — an  ox  trod  on  my  leg  !"' 

But  to  save  the  stout  Armstrong,  even  Reid  could 

not  do — 
A  ship  of  the  line,  with  a  frigate  in  tow  ! 
A  brig  of  their  navy  accoutred  for  war ! 
All  this  was  too  much  for  e'en  Yankees  to  dare : 
So  he  scuttled  his  bark — 
Nor  need  we  remark 
That  she  sunk  on  the  sands  by  the  beach  of  Fayal, 
With  her  colours  all  flying — no  colours  could  fall. 

Of  neutrals  what  nonsense  some  tell  us  each  day  ! 
Exists  there  a  neutral  where  Britain  has  sway  ! 
The  rights  of  a  neutral ! — away  with  such  stuff, 
What  neutral  remains  that  can  England  rebuff? 
To  be  safe  from  disgrace, 
The  deep  seas  are  our  place  ; 
The  flag  of  no  neutral  our  flag  can  defend, 
By  ourselves  we    must    fight,   on    ourselves  must 
depend. 

Now  in  bumpers  of  reason,  success  to  brave  Reid  ! 
Himself  and  his  heroes  are  heroes  indeed  ! 
In  conquests  like  this,  can  an  Englishman  glor)', 
One  traitor  among  us,  one  Halifax  tory1? 

If  they  can — let  them  brag — 

Here's  success  to  our  flag ! 
May  it  ever  be  ready  the  Britons  to  maul. 
As  the  Armstrong  behaved  in  the  road  of  Fayal. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  293 

146    THE  COURTEOUS  KNIGHT;  OR,  THE 
FLYING  GALLANT. 

The  public  will  hear  with  astonishment  that  a  British 
knight  of  high  reputation  should  have  declined  the  advances 
of  an  American  lady  who  has  already  made  some  noise  in 
the  world,  and  is  likely  soon  to  make  more.  After  having 
notoriously  boasted  of  his  willingness,  and  even  of  his 
anxiety,  to  meet  the  lady,  as  well  as  of  his  prowess  in  such 
encounters,  it  is  impossible  to  find  for  his  graceless  back- 
sliding a  sufficient  apology ;  and  all  true-hearted  maidens 
ought  without  the  least  hesitation,  to  set  him  down  for  a 
faithless  perjured  lover. 

For  a  nautical  knight,  a  lady — heigho ! 

Felt  her  heart  and  her  heart-strings  to  ache : 
To  view  his  dear  person,  she  look'd  to  and  fro, 
The  name  of  the  knight  was  Sir  James  Lucas  Yeo — 

And  the  Lady — 'twas  she  of  the  Lake. 

"  My  g°°d>  sweet  Sir  James,"  cried  the  lady  so  fair, 

"  Since  rny  passion  I  cannot  control, 
When  you  see  my  white  drapery  floating  in  air 
0,  hither,  and  swiftly,  I  pri'thee,  repair, 

And  indulge  the  first  wish  of  my  soul." 

The  knight  heard,  afar,  of  the  lady's  desire, 

And  sprightly,  and  gay,  made  reply : 
"  As  your  heart,  lovely  maid,  does  my  person  require, 
I  assure  you,  mine  burns  with  the  like  amorous  fire, 

And  to  your  loved  presence  I'll  fly." 

From  Ontario's  margin  the  Lady  set  sail, 

Expecting  the  knight  on  that  sea  : 
She  dreamt  not  that  he  in  his  promise  would  fail, 
And  from  a  fair  Lady,  unmanlike,  turn  tail ; 

Yet  he  tarried  ! — what  could  the  cause  be  1 
25* 


294  NAVAL    SONGS. 


Impatient  to  see  him,  no  longer  she'd  stay  ; 

Resolved  o'er  the  whole  lake  to  roam ; 
"  0 !  have    you   not    heard   of   my   stout  knight, 

pray]" 
She  plaintively  ask'd  all  who  came  in  her  way  : 

"Do  you  think  he's  to  Kingston  gone  home  V 

At  length  she  espied  him : — what  should  Sir  James 
do? 
He  fidgetted,  ran,  and  he  tack'd  in  and  out : 
He  fear'd  to  embrace  her:  he  promised  to  woo  : 
She  hail'd  him,  "  Sir  James,  charming  fellow,  heave 
to! 
Why  do  you  my  tenderness  flout  1" 

He  fled  like  a  truant;  the  Lady  in  vain 

Her  oglings  and  glances  employ'd  : 
She  aim'd  at  his  heart,  and  she  aim'd  at  his  brain, 
And  she  vow'd  from  pursuing  she  ne'er  would  refrain  ; 

The  knight  was  most  sadly  annoy'd. 

At  length  from  love's  fervour  the  recreant  got  clear, 

And  may  have,  for  a  season,  some  rest : 
But  if  this  fair  Lady  he  ever  comes  near, 
For  breaking  his  promise  he'll  pay  very  dear : 
The  price  valiant  Chauncey  knows  best. 


147  VICTORY  ON  LAKE  ERIE. 

Forever  remember'd  be  the  gallant  story, 
How  valiant  Perry  with  Columbia's  crew, 

"With  love  of  country  fired,  and  love  of  glory, 
Proud  Britain's  host  on  Erie's  lake  o'erthrew. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  295 

He,  like  her  rocky  banks, 

Amidst  his  slaughter' d  ranks 
Stood  firm,  no  fear  could  shake  his  soul ; 

Though  streams  of  blood 

Rush'd  like  a  flood, 
And  thunders  shook  from  pole  to  pole. 

Hark !  now  the  cannons  with  impetuous  roar, 

Deal  dread  destruction  from  the  unequal  foe, 
The  spirit  of  the  lake  sought  refuge  on  the  shore, 
And  for  the  fallen  brave  join'd  in  Columbia's  wo. 
And  now,  the  Lawrence  lost, 
On  Erie's  bosom  toss'd, 
His  flag  alone  the  hero  saves  ; 

As  thick  as  hail  their  shot  assail, 
Still  round  his  head  his  flag  he  waves. 

On  the  Niagara's  deck  now  see  him  bound  ! 

Now  mid  the  astonish'd  foe  his  course  he  steers, 
Now  dying  groans — now  victory's  shouts  resound  ! 
Now  panic  fear  amidst  their  ranks  appears  ! 
And  now  Columbia's  son 
The  gallant  fight  has  won  ; 
For  see,  the  British  lion  cowers  ; 

Huzza  !  huzza !  all  hail  the  day  ! 
"  We  have  met  the  enemy,  and  they  are  ours  !" 


148     THE  TENTH  OF  SEPTEMBER. 

O'er  the  mountains  the  sun  of  our  fame  was  declining, 

And  on  Thetis'  billowy  breast 
The  cold  orb  had  reposed,  all  his  splendour  resigning, 

Bedimm'd  by  the  mists  of  the  West. 


296  NAVAL    SONGS. 


The  prospect  that  rose  to  the  patriot's  sight 
Was  cheerless,  and  hopeless,  and  dreary  ! 

But  a  bolt  burst  the  cloud,  and  illumined  the  night 
That  enveloped  the  waters  of  Erie. 

The  gray  god  of  the  lake,  in  his  palace  of  coral, 

And  moving  sublime  o'er  the  wave, 
From  the  bank  where  it  bloom'd  pluck'd  a  chaplet  of 
laurel, 

And  the  garland  to  Victory  gave. 
By  the  goddess  'twas  held  o'er  each  thundering  deck, 

Till  with  doubts  grown  distracted  and  weary; 
And  when  each  gun  was  silent,  each  vessel  a  wreck, 

'Twas  snatch'd  by  the  Hero  of  Erie. 
For  the  brave  who  have  bled,  why  indulge  a  vain 
sorrow  1 

They  were  wreck'd  on  no  enemy's  coast; 
And  some  one  of  us  may  be  welcomed  to-morrow, 

To  Elysium,  by  Lawrence's  ghost ; 
Who,  when  call'd  by  Charon  to  take  a  short  trip, 

With  him  in  his  crazy  old  wherry, 
Saw  his  own  dying  orders,  "  Don't  give  up  the  ship  !" 

On  the  flag  proudly  floating  o'er  Perry. 

Let  each  man  round  the  board  bid  his  children  re- 
member, 

With  a  generous  expansion  of  soul, 
The  glory  that  plays  round  the  tenth  of  September, 

And  crown  its  return  with  a  bowl ; 
Then  the  goblet  shall  foam,  blow  the  wind  high  or 
low ; 

And  the  heart  be  it  mournful  or  merry  ; 
And  the  purest  of  wine  to  the  memory  shall  flow 

Of  the  virtues  and  valour  of  Perry. 


NAVAL   SONGS.  297 

149  HULL'S  NAVAL  VICTORY. 

Tune. — Paul  Jones's  Victory. 

Ye  true  sons  of  Freedom,  give  ear  to  my  song, 
While  the  praise  of  brave  Hull  I  attempt  to  prolong, 
Let  each  bold-hearted  hero  now  fill  up  his  glass, 
And  our  favourite  sentiment  rapidly  pass. 

With  our  brave  noble  captain,  we'll  still  plough  the 
main; 

We'll  fight  and  we'll  conquer  again  and  again. 

With  a  fine  springing  breeze,  our  sails  we  soon  bent, 
And  with  hearts  full  of  joy  to  the  ocean  we  went, 
In  the  famed  Constitution,  a  tight  and  stanch  boat 
As  ever  was  seen  on  the  water  afloat. 

With  our  brave  noble  captain  we  plough'd  the  deep 
main; 

And  when  he  commands  we  are  ready  again. 

On  the  nineteenth  of  August,  a  sail  we  espied, 
We  hove  too,  and  soon  she  came  up  alongside ; 
The  drum  beat  to  quarters,  to  quarters  we  run, 
And  each  tar  bravely  swore  to  stand  fast  to  his  gun. 
Our  captain  so  brave  as  we  sail'd  on  the  main, 
Now  bids  us  a  harvest  of  glory  to  gain. 

A  broadside  the  foe  quickly  into  us  pour'd, 
We  return'd  'em  the  favour  direct  on  the  word, 
Each  heart  was  undaunted,  no  bosom  knew  fear, 
And  we  cared  not  a  snap  for  the  saucy  Guerriere. 
With  our  noble  commander  we  fought  on  the  main, 
And  we'll  conquer  with  him  when  he  bids  us  again. 


298  NAVAL    SONGS. 


The  balls  now  flew  thick,  and  quite  warm  was   the 

play, 
Their  masts  and  their  rigging  were  soon  shot  away  ; 
We  shatter'd  their  hull  with  all  possible  speed, 
With  our  good  spunky  "bull-dogs"  of  true  Yankee 
breed. 
'Twas  thus  with  our  captain  we  fought  on  the  main, 
With  him  a  rich  harvest  of  glory  to  gain. 

The  blood  from  the  enemy's  scuppers  ran  fast, 
All  hopes  of  subduing  us  now  were  quite  past: 
So  they  wisely  concluded  by  "  hob  or  by  nob, 
That  'twas  best  to  give  o'er  what  they  thought  a  bad 
job." 
With  our  true  noble  captain  we'll  fight  on  the  main, 
And  we  hope  that  with  him  we'll  soon  conquer  again. 

The  Britons  had  seldom  before  seen  the  like, 

For  we  raked   them  so  clean  they'd  no   colours   to 

strike ; 
So  a  gun  from  the  lea  they  were  forced  to  let  fly, 
To  inform  us  they  didn't  quite  all  wish  to  die. 

'Twas  thus  with  our  captain  we  fought  on  the  main, 
And  we're  ready,  brave  boys,  to  fight  with  him  again. 

In  twenty-five  minutes  the  business  was  done, 
For  they  didn't  quite  relish  such  true  Yankee  fun ; 
So  we  kindly  received  them  on  board  our  good  ship, 
Many  cursing  the  day  when  they  took  their  last  trip. 

With  our  brave  noble  captain  we'll  still  plough  the 
main, 

We'll  fight  and  we'll  conquer  again  and  again. 

Now  homeward  we're  bound,  with  a  favouring  breeze, 
As  full  of  good  humour  and  mirth  as  you  please, 


NAVAL   SOXGS.  299 


Each  true-hearted  sailor  partakes  of  the  glass, 
And  drinks  off  a  health  to  his  favourite  lass. 

With  our  brave  noble  captain  we've  plough'd  the 
deep  main, 

With  him  we  the  laurels  of  glory  did  gain. 

Now  success  to  the  good  Constitution,  a  boat, 
Which  her  crew  will  defend  while  a  plank  is  afloat, 
Who  never  will  flinch  or  in  duty  e'er  lag, 
But  will  stick  to  the  last  by  the  American  flag. 
So  true  to  our  colours  we'll  ever  remain, 
And  we'll  conquer  for  freedom  again  and  again. 

When  again  we  shall   plough  o'er  Neptune's  blue 

wave, 
May  honour  still  circle  the  brows  of  the  brave, 
And  should  our  bold  foe  wish  to  give  us  a  pull, 
We'll  show  them  the  good  Constitution  and  Hull. 
And  now  with  three  cheers,  ere  we  sail  to  the  main, 
We'll  greet  our  brave  captain  again  and  again. 


150     ON  THE  LATE  ROYAL  SLOOP  OF 

WAR,  GENERAL  MONK, 

Formerly  the  Washington ;    mounting  six  quarter-deck 
wooden  guns. 

BY  PHILIP  FRENEAU. 

When  the  Washington  ship  by  the  English  was  beat, 
They  sent  her  to  England  to  show  their  great  feat, 
And  Sandwich,  straightway,  as  a  proof  of  his  spunk, 
Dash'd  out  her  old  name  and  call'd  her  the  Monk.* 


*  General  Monk,  who  was  the   most  active   agent  in 
restoring  Charles  the  Second. 


300  NAVAL    SONGS. 


"This  Monk  hated  rebels,  (said  Sandy,)  'od  rot  'em, 
So  heave  her  down  quickly  and  copper  her  bottom  ; 
With  the  sloops  of  our  navy  we'll  have  her  enrolled, 
And  mann'd  with  pick'd  sailors  to  make  her  feel  bold. 

"To  show  that  our  king  is  both  valiant  and  good, 
Some  guns  shall  be  iron,  and  others  be  wood  ; 
And,  in  truth,  (though  I  wish  not  the  secret  to  spread,) 
All   her   guns  should   be  wooden — to  suit  with  his 
head." 


151  ERIE  AND  CHAMPLAIN. 

Hail  to  the  day  which  arises  in  splendour, 

Shedding  the  lustre  of  victory  afar, 
Long  shall  its  glory  illumine  September, 

AVhich  twice  beheld  freemen  the  victors  in  war. 
Roused  by  the  spirit  of"tieaven-born  Freedom, 

Perry,  her  lightnings  pour'd  over  the  lake, 
His  falchion,  a  meteor,  glitters  to  lead  them, 

And  swift  on  the  foemen,  in  thunders  they  break. 
Loud  swells  the  cannon's  roar, 
Round  Erie's  sounding  shore, 
Answer'd  in  volleys,  by  musketry's  voice, 
Till  Britain's  cross  descends, 
And  the  haughty  foe  bends  : 
Victory,  glory,  Columbians,  rejoice. 

Hail  to  the  day,  which  in  splendour  returning, 
Lights  us  to  conquest  and  glory  again  ; 

Time,  hold  that  year — still  the  war-torch  was  burning. 
And  threw  its  red  ray  on  the  waves  of  Champlain. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  301 

Roused  by  the  spirit  that  conquer'd  for  Perry, 

Dauntless  Macdonough  advanced  to  the  fray  : 
Instant  the  glory  that  brighten'd  Lake  Erie, 
Burst  on  Champlain  with  the  splendour  of  day: 

Loud  swells  the  cannon's  roar, 

On  Plattsburg's  bloody  shore, 
Britons  retreat  from  the  tempest  of  war, 

Prevost  deserts  the  field, 

While  the  gallant  ships  yield, 
Victory,  glory,  Columbians,  huzza! 

Hail  to  the  day  which,  recorded  in  story, 

Lives  the  bright  record  of  unfading  fame, 
Long  shall  Columbians,  inspired  by  its  glory, 

Hail  its  returning  with  joyous  acclaim. 
Victory  scatter'd  profusely  the  laurel 

Over  our  heroes  on  land  and  on  flood, 
Britain,  astonish'd,  relinquish'd  the  quarrel, 
Peace  saw  her  olive  arise  from  the  blood. 
Now  cannons  cease  to  roar 
Round  Freedom's  peaceful  shore, 
Silent  and  hush'd  is  the  war  bugle's  voice, 
Let  festive  joys  increase, 
In  the  sunshine  of  peace, 
Peace  gain'd  by  victory  ;  Freemen,  rejoice! 


152        THE  TRUE  YANKEE  SAILOR. 

When  a  boy  Harry  Bluff  left  his  friends  and  his 

home, 
And  his  dear  native  land  o'er  the  ocean  to  roam ; 
Like  a  sapling  he  sprung,  he  was  fair  to  the  view, 
He  was  true  Yankee  oak,  boys,  the  older  he  grew. 
26 


302  NAVAL    SONGS. 


Though  his  body  was  weak  and  his  hands  they  were 

soft, 
When  the  signal  was  given,  he  the  first  went  aloft : 
The  veterans  all  cried,  "  He'll  one  day  lead  the  van," 
For  though  rated  a  boy,  he'd  the  soul  of  a  man, 
And  the  heart  of  a  true  Yankee  sailor. 

When  to  manhood  promoted,  and  burning  for  fame, 

Still  in  peace  or  in  war,  Harry  Bluff  was  the  same  ; 

So  true  to  his  love,  and  in  battle  so  brave, 

The  myrtle  and  laurel  entwined  o'er  his  grave. 

For  his  country  he  fell,  when  by  victory  crown'd, 

The  flag  shot  away,  fell  in  tatters  around, 

The  foe   thought   he'd   struck,   but    he    sung  out — 

"  Avast !" 
And  Columbia's  colours  he  nail'd  to  the  mast, 
And  died  like  a  true  Yankee  sailor. 


153     KISS  THE  BRIM  AND  BID  IT  PASS. 

BY    SUSANNA    ROWSON. 

When  Columbia's  shores  receding, 

Lessens  to  the  gazing  eye  ; 
Cape  nor  island  intervening, 

Break  the  expanse  of  sea  and  sky  ; 
When  the  evening  shades  descending, 

Shed  a  softness  o'er  the  mind, 
When  the  yawning  heart  will  wander, 

To  the  circle  left  behind  : 

Ah,  then  to  friendship  fill  the  glass, 
Kiss  the  brim  and  bid  it  pass. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  303 

When  the  social  board  surrounding, 

At  the  evening's  slight  repast, 
Often  will  our  bosoms  tremble 

As  we  listen  to  the  blast ; 
Gazing  on  the  moon's  pale  lustre, 

Fervent  shall  our  prayers  arise 
For  thy  peace,  thy  health,  thy  safety, 

To  him  who  form'd  the  skies  ; 

To  Friendship  oft  we'll  fill  the  glass, 
Kiss  the  brim  and  bid  it  pass. 

When  in  India's  sultry  climate, 

Mid  the  burning  torrid  zone, 
Will  not  oft  thy  fancy  wander 

From  her  bowers  to  thy  own  1 
When  her  richest  fruits  partaking, 

Thy  unvitiated  taste 
Oft  shall  sigh  for  dear  Columbia, 

And  her  frugal  neat  repast ; 

Ah,  then  to  Friendship  fill  the  glass, 
Kiss  the  brim  and  bid  it  pass. 

When  the  gentle  eastern  breezes 

Fill  the  home-bound  vessel's  sails, 
Undulating  soft  the  ocean, 

0,  propitious  be  the  gales; 
Then  when  ev'ry  danger's  over, 

Rapture  shall  each  heart  expand ; 
Tears  of  unmix'd  joy  shall  bid  thee 

Welcome  to  thy  native  land  ; 

To  Friendship  then  we'll  fill  the  glass, 
Kiss  the  brim  and  bid  it  pass. 


304 


NAVAL    SONGS. 


154  TRUXTUN'S  VICTORY. 

BY    SUSANNA    ROW- 

"When  Freedom,  fair  Freedom  her  banner  display'd, 
Defying  each  foe,  whom  her  rights  would  invade, 
Columbia's  brave  sons  swore  those  rights  to  maintain, 
And  o'er  ocean  and  earth  to  establish  her  reign. 

United,  they  cry. 

While  that  standard  shall  fly, 

Resolved,  firm,  and  steady, 

We  always  are  ready 
To  fight  and  to  conquer,  to  conquer  or  die. 
Though  Gallia  through  Europe  has  rush'd  like  a  flood, 
And  deluged  the  earth  with  an  ocean  of  blood  ; 
While  by  faction  she's  led,  while  she's  govern'd  by 

knaves, 
We  court  not  her  smiles,  and  will  ne'er  be  her  slaves  : 

Her  threats  we  defy, 

While  our  standard  shall  fly ; 

Resolved,  firm,  and  steady, 

We  always  are  ready 
To  fight  and  to  conquer,  to  conquer  or  die. 
Though  France,  with  caprice,  dares  our    statesmen 

upbraid, 
A  tribute  demands,  or  sets  bounds  to  our  trade; 
From  our  young  rising  navy  our  thunders  shall  roar : 
And  our  commerce  extend  to  the  earth's  utmost  shore. 

Our  cannon  we'll  ply, 

While  our  standard  shall  fly; 

Resolved,  firm,  and  steady, 

We  always  are  ready 
To  fight  and  to  conquer,  to  conquer  or  die. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  305 

To  know  we're  resolved,  let  them  think  on  the  hour, 
When  Truxtun,  brave  Truxtun,  off  Nevis's  shore 
His  ship  mann'd  for  battle,  the  standard  unfurl'd, 
And  at  the  Insurgente  defiance  he  hurl'd  : 

And  his  valiant  tars  cry, 

While  our  standard  shall  fly  ; 

Resolved,  firm,  and  steady, 

We  always  are  ready 
To  fight  and  to  conquer,  to  conquer  or  die. 

Each  heart  beat  exulting,  inspired  by  the  cause ; 
They  fought  for  their  country,   their  freedom,   and 

laws ; 
From  their  cannon  loud   volleys  of  vengeance  they 

pour'd, 
And  the  standard  of  France  to  Columbia  was  lower'd. 
Huzza!  they  now  cry, 
Let  the  Eagle  wave  high  ; 
Resolved,  firm,  and  steady, 
We  always  are  ready 
To  fight  and  to  conquer,  to  conquer  or  die. 

Then  raise  high  the  strain,  pay  the  tribute  that's  due 
To  the  fair  Constellation,  and  all  her  brave  crew ; 
Be  Truxtun  revered,  and  his  name  be  enroll'd 
'Mongst  the  chiefs  of  the  ocean,  the  heroes  of  old. 

Each  invader  defy, 

While  such  heroes  are  nigh, 

Who  always  are  ready, 

Resolved,  firm,  and  steady, 
To  fight  and  to  conquer,  to  conquer  or  die. 
26* 


306  NAVU,    BONG0. 


155  COLUMBIAN  TARS. 

Columbian  tars  are  hearts  of  oak, 

Singing  ever  merrily  : 
Even  in  fight  they  laugh  and  joke, 
Meeting  danger  cheerily  ; 
Yo,  yo,  yea ; 
Fire  away, 
Hearts  of  oak,  right  merrily. 

And  though  death  around  him  flies, 

Still  the  dauntless  sailor  cries, 
Spunge  the  guns,  boys,  merrily, 
Ram  the  balls  home,  cheerily, 
Yo,  yo,  )ea ; 
Fire  away, 
Hearts  of  oak,  right  merrily. 

Wrapt  in  clouds  of  thickest  smoke, 
Hear  him  singing  merrily; 

Fearless  still  he'll  have  his  joke, 
Braving  peril  cheerily ; 

E'en  amidst  the  hottest  figrht, 

Hear  him  singing  with  delight, 
Spunge  the  guns,  boys,  &  \ 


156  PERRY'S  YICTORY. 

BY    A.  S.   G. 

See  them  meeting, 

Dreadful  greeting, 
And  for  carnage  fierce,  prepare, — 
(The  Eagle  and  the  Lion  there,) 


NAVAL   SONGS.  307 

Now  the  cannon's  awful  roar, 
Runs  along  the  affrighted  shore. 
Hear!  the  groans  of  wounded,  dying! 
See  !  the  scatter'd  foe  are  flying ! 
While  the  sons  of  Freedom  cry, 
Victory  ! — 0  Victory  ! 


157  DECATUR'S  GRAVE. 

BY   WILLIAM    B.    TAPPAN. 

Why  weeps  the  muse,  her  glory  fled  % 

Why  droops  Columbia's  genius  so  ? 
The  laurel  wreath  is  sere  and  dead  ; 

Decatur's  gallant  form  is  low  ! 
Ye  hoary  warriors,  hither  bring 

Your  tribute  to  the  kindred  brave ; 
Ye  beauteous  maidens,  haste,  and  fling 

Your  chaplets  on  Decatur's  grave. 

Let  those  depart,  who  tear  away 

The  wreath  that  marks  a  godlike  soul ; 
Let  those  depart,  who  chide  the  lay, 

And  for  one  error  blot  the  scroll — 
Approach  !  ye  generous,  feeling,  few, 

Where  selfishness  can  ne'er  intrude  ; 
Approach — Decatur's  grave  bedew  ; 

Sweet  are  the  tears  of  gratitude  ! 

The  hero  mingles  with  the  dust, 

But  glory  shrines  his  deathless  fame  ; 

The  tomb  receives  its  hallow'd  trust, 
But  unborn  ages  breathe  his  name  ! 


308  NAVAL    SONGS. 


Yes,  mighty  dead  !  in  every  breast, 
Thou  still  shalt  live,  to  memory  dear; 

This  turf,  by  virgin  footsteps  prest, 
Shall  witness  Sorrow's  dewy  tear  ! 

Hither  will  Sympathy  repair, 

To  deck  her  favourite's  early  tomb  ; 
While  Charity,  with  aspect  fair, 

Will  mantle  thy  untimely  doom; 
Farewell !  the  gem  that  hail'd  thy  morn, 

Now  sunk  beneath  the  western  sky, — 
Will  wake  for  thee  a  brighter  dawn  : 

The  star  of  glory  ne'er  can  die  ! 


15S  HERO  OF  THE  NORTH— OR  BATTLE 
OF  LAKE  ERIE. 

BY    MR.    BENJAMIN    WHITMAN,    JUN.,  OF    BOSTON. 

0,  know  ye  the  land  where  the  cliff  and  the  moun- 
tain 

O'ershadows  the  water's  dark  tremulous  glow  ; 
Which  flows  from  the  north  from  its  cold  icy  fountain. 

And  passes  through  Erie  to  ocean  below. 

That  torrent  is  rou^h  as  it  bursts  from  the  north, 
But  calmly  extending  across  the  broad  lakes  ; 

From  their  silent  expanse,  serene  it  goes  forth, 

Till  it  foams  where  the  loud  roaring  cataract  breaks. 

There  the  roar  of  the  fall  with  the  wild  Indian  yell, 
For  ages  together  have  mingled  its  sound  ; 

And  often  the  yell  of  the  savage  would  drown 
The  roar  of  the  fall  as  it  thundering  fell. 


NAVAL   SONGS. 

The  flood  still  is  pouring, 
The  fall  still  is  roaring-, 

And  echoes  each  neighbouring  shore  ; 
But  the  war-hoop  no  longer 
Sounds  louder  and  stronger, 

While  drowning  the  cataract's  roar.   ' 

'Tis  not  by  their  yells  and  their  screams  I  am  fired — 
At  the  tales  of  the  savage  I  droop  and  grow  weary  ; 

I  now  sing  of  honour  and  glory  acquired, 

Where  our  thunders  were  heard  on  the  waters  of 
Erie. 

The  dark  rolling  waters  of  Erie  had  flow'd 

For  ages  on  ages  in  silence  along ; 
And  its  bleak  mountain-shore  had  ne'er  yet  echo'd 

The  cannon's  loud  roar,  or  the  mariner's  song. 

But  the  cross  of  Saint  George  o'er  her  bosom  now 
floats, 
And  Columbia's  brave  Eagle  is  streaming  afar; 
And  the  thunders  that  sleep  in  their  ships  and  their 
boats 
Will  shortly  be  roused  in  the  tempest  of  war. 

Where  yonder  beams  of  morning  play, 

Through  eastern  portals  come  the  day; 

And  through  the  darksome  silent  air, 

It  spreads  afar  its  brilliant  glare. 

With  fluid  gold  it  tinges  now 

The  welkin's  space,  and  mountain's  brow  ; 

Far  in  the  east  these  clouds  behold, 

Which  seem  in  heavenly  frame  enroll'd ; 

There  blessed  angels  love  to  lie, 

And  look  abroad  through  earth  and  sky; 


310  NAVAL   SONGS. 

As  from  the  vigils  of*  the  night, 

They  leave  the  earth  for  realms  of  light : 

And  gazing  round,  below,  above, 

They  read  unutterable  love. 

On  that  calm  and  glorious  morn, 

The  lake  reflected  back  the  dawn, 

To  waken'd  warriors,  roused  in  time 

To  meet  approaching  war  and  crime. 

Xo  longer  now  does  silence  r< 

But  seamen's  shouts  and  cheerful  strain, 

And  hoisted  sails,  and  moving  oar, 

Proclaim  our  warriors  "  sleep  no  more." 

Proud  o'er  the  lake  (a  gallant  throng!) 

Old  Albion's  squadron  sweeps  along, 

Like  frame  that  moves  upon  the  wave  ; 

"While  pennons  floating  o'er  the  brave, 

Are  seen  afar  through  mist  and  cloud  ; 

And  now  is  seen  each  mast  and  shroud  ; 

And  as  the  morning  breezes  blow, 

Nearer  and  nearer  comes  the  foe. 

Those  thunders  sleep,  which  soon  will  wake 

Their  first  rude  notes  upon  the  lake; 

Upon  whose  bosom  ne'er  before 

Relentless  Death  his  victims  bore. 

Solemn  and  slow  the  adverse  squadrons  move, 
While  the  bright  orb  of  day  rolls  on  above. 
0  !  'tis  a  glorious  sight  to  see  them  sweep, 
Like  clouds  in  air  upon  that  gentle  deep  ; 
Their  sails  all  set,  their  pennons  streaming  high; 
While  there  the  cross — while  here  the  eagles  fly, 
With  all  things  Battling  in  the  autumn  sky, 
And  clouds  of  amber  gently  sailing  by; 


NAVAL    SONGS, 

While  just  below,  the  lake  is  heaving  bright, 
And  swells  of  tumid  vapour  catch  the  light. 

As  from  some  black  and  silent  cloud 
That  moves  upon  the  face  of  day, 
The  flashing  lightnings  sudden  play, 

And  muttering  thunders  roar'd  aloud  ; 
While  darting  on  the  mountain's  side, 
They  spread  destruction  far  and  wide — 
So,  on  that  calm  and  gentle  wave, 
Where  all  was  silent  as  the  grave, 

The  reign  of  peace  is  o'er ; 
And,  to  the  cannon's  dreadful  roar, 
Echoes  the  mountains,  rocks,  and  shore, 
As  first  the  British  thunders  pour 
Destruction  round,  behind,  before  ; 
And  the  dark  lake  receives  the  gore 
Of  man  who  falls  to  rise  no  more. 

Silent  and  slow  our  vessels  glide, 
While  ruin  pours  on  every  side ; 
But  now  our  port-holes  gaping  wide, 

Our  fires  begin  to  glow  ; 
And  forth  the  awful  thunders  broke, 
And  ruin  went  with  every  stroke, 
And  death  with  every  blow. 

But  see  our  strong  and  gallant  bark, 
Where  stands  the  hero  of  the  lake, 

She  slowly  moves,  the  only  mark 
On  which  the  opposing  torrents  break. 
Each  "brace,  and  bowline,"  shot  away, 

She  moves  a  perfect  wreck  : 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

She  meets  the  wind  like  waving  trees, 
She's  tossed  like  clouds  upon  the  breeze, 

And  ruin  crowds  her  deck. 
O,  yonder  see  the  hero  sail, 
While  balls  as  thick  as  autumn's  hail, 
Around  the  little  vessel  pour ; 
Secure  she  sails  mid  fire  and  smoke, 
As  did  of  yore  that  gallant  boat, 

Which  fearless  Caesar  bore. 
In  triumph  now  another  deck 
Receives  the  warrior  from  the  wreck, 

In  safety  and  in  glory  ; 
And  now  more  strong  the  breezes  blow, 
And  drives  him  nearer  to  the  foe, 

And  wafts  him  on  to  victory. 
Now  fierce  amid  the  foe  they  dash, 
Their  masts  and  spars  while  falling  crash, 

Their  ships  are  driven  a'thraft; 
From  larboard  and  from  starboard  side, 
Our  dreadful  port-holes  gaping  wide, 
Send  tenfold  thunders  o'er  the  tide, 

And  rakes  them  fore  and  aft. 

Down,  down  your  flags,  or  not  a  foe 
Shall  live  to  tell  this  tale  of  woe. 
Down,  down  your  flags,  or  not  a  boat 
Above  this  blood-red  stream  shall  float !" 
And  down  they  come — the  strife  is  o'er — 
Borne  on  the  gale  is  heard  no  more 
The  groan,  the  shriek,  or  cannon's  roar ; 
And  die  the  thunders  on  the  distant  shore 

I  know  'tis  true,  you  love  to  read 
Of  noble  knights  of  former  day; 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

I  know  you  sigh  o'er  martial  deed, 

And  grieve  those  times  have  pass'd  away. 

'Tis  true  those  knights  no  more  will  fight, 

The  days  of  chivalry  are  o'er; — 
And  those  who  fought  for  Bruce's  right, 

Are  Scotia's  valiant  sons  no  more. 

But  did  high  heart  and  spirit  free 

Perish  with  Bruce  and  Wallace  brave  1 

And  with  the  flower  of  chivalry, 

Did  worth  and  courage  find  their  grave1? 

O,  come  to  the  land  of  a  Greene  and  a  Perry, 
O,  look  to  the  warriors  of  Eutaw  and  Erie  ; 
And  see  where  encircled  in  glory's  bright  ray, 
Heroes  have  fought  in  our  land  and  our  day. 
Old  Rome  and  old  Greece,  in  the  temple  of  fame, 
A  long  list  of  heroes  with  triumph  can  claim  ; 
And  round  on  the  tablets,  in  letters  of  gold, 
Each  nation  may  see  its  own  heroes  enroll'd  : 
And  round  as  you  gaze  both  with  wonder  and  pride 
On  the  names  of  those  warriors  who've  conquer'd  and 

died 
On  yonder  bright  tablet,  Columbia,  behold 
The  names  of  your  Greene  and  your  Perry  enroll'd. 


159      VICTORY  ON  LAKE  CHAMPLAIN. 

BY    BENJAMIN    WHITMAN,    JUN. 

O,  wild  is  the  land  where  the  yell  and  the  cry 
Bid  the  traveller  flee,  for  the  savage  is  near  : 

Where  the  Great  Spirit  moves  in  the  clouds  of  the  sky, 
Array'd  in  the  robes  of  his  terror  and  fear. 
27 


314  NAVAL    SONGS. 

O,  wild  is  the  land,  where  the  forests  and  lakes, 
And  all  things  around  are  majestic  and  grand  ; 

Where  Nature  her  palace  triumphantly  makes 
On  the  hills  everlasting  that  rise  from  the  land. 

There  the  wild  men,  while  swiftly  their  game  they 
pursue, 

Stop  in  their  course,  with  enchantment  are  bound, 
And  bless  the  Great  Spirit,  as  gazing  they  view 

The  waters  and  earth,  and  heavens  around. 

'Tis  the  land  of  the  west !  where  but  lately  were  seen 
The  wild  tribes  of  Indians  that  wander'd  afar ; 

And  where,  too,  was  heard   the  wild   yell   and   the 
scream, 
That  roused  in  the  savage  the  spirit  of  war. 

I  sing  now  of  war,  of  conquest,  and  blood, 

Of  warriors  whose  laurels   now  bloom  o'er   their 
grave; 

Of  deeds  done  where  once  was  the  Indians'  abode, 
I  sing  of  Macdouough  the  brave. 

The  lowering  clouds  grew  dark  on  hi<_rh. 
And  spread  their  curtains  round  the  sky, 

And  caught  the  flood  of  light 
Which  pour'd  from  stars,  which  now  above, 
The  clouds  that  dark  and  silent  move 

Break  not  the  glqom  of  night. 
No  thunders  roll  in  this  still  scene, 
Along  the  heavens  no  meteors  gleam 

To  light  the  darksome  hour; 
The  forest,  lake,  and  wave  is  hush'd. 
And  now  the  wind  which  by  them  rush/d 

Suspends  its  mighty  power. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  315 

Upon  yon  lake  the  billow's  glow 
Sparkles  around  no  rushing'  prow, 

But  all  is  smooth  and  calm  ; 
And  warriors  too,  who  soon  may  die, 
Now  slumbering  on  their  hammocks  lie, 

Nor  dream  approaching  harm. 

The  orb  of  day  at  morrow's  dawn 
Will  light  the  holy  Sunday's  morn, 

The  Sabbath  of  the  Lord. 
The  labour  of  the  week  is  done, 
And  all  will  at  the  rising  sun 

Sing  anthems  to  their  God. 

But  now,  o'er  rock,  vale,  delve,  and  steep, 
All  nature  silent  seems  to  sleep 

Enveloped  close  in  gloom  ; 
And,  save  yon  breeze  that  drives  away 
The  clouds  before  the  face  of  day, 
Nature  appears  in  dark  array, 

A  universal  tomb. 

Morn  now  the  orient  gates  have  riven. 
And  far  and  wide  the  purple  heaven 

Foretells  a  bloody  day. 
Each  cloud  appears  a  bloody  screen, 
Reflecting  on  each  lower  scene, 
Save  where  the  mountains  intervene 

The  glorious  morning  ray. 

From  yonder  ship,  the  signal  gun 
Arouses,  with  the  rising  sun, 

The  seamen  from  their  slumber ; 


316  NAVAL    SONGS. 


Some  shall  with  wreaths  adorn  their  head, 
Some  shall  be  counted  with  the  dead, 
And  proudly  swell  their  number  ! 

The  cannon  echoes  far  and  wide 
Along  the  shore  and  mountain's  side, 

And  wakes  the  tuneful  lark  : 
The  wild  birds  raise  their  matin  notes, 
And  through  the  barges,  ships,  and  boats, 

The  slumbering  seamen  start. 

What  muttering  sound  is  that  which  strikes  the  ear  ? 
What  sails  seem  floating  through  yon  misty  air? 
And  with  the  breeze  are  now  advancing  fast — 
WTith  flags  far  waving  from  each  lofty  mast  ? 
44  See   them,"  Macdonough   cries,  "there   streaming 

high, 
By  heavens,  the  cross,  the  British  pennants  fly — 
They  fly  above  your  foe,  who  now  prepare 
To  taint  this  holy  morn  with  deeds  of  war ! 
Display  our  eagle,  place  our  guns  for  fight, 
And  they  are  our's,  or  else  we  die  ere  night." 
Now  o'er  the  lake  the  royal  vessels  sweep, 
And  swiftly  move  along  the  misty  deep  ; 
They  come  more  near,  and  now  abreast  they  lay, 
"The  wind  of  heaven  too,  gently  dies  away." 
Our  men  on  valour  place  their  Btrong  reliance, 
And  forthwith  raised  a  shout  of  loud  defiance. 

Then  as  the  sun's  resplendent  car 
Throws  back  the  twilight  clouds  afar — 
And  o'er  the  gloomy  realms  of  air 
Scatters  abroad  his  silent  glare — 


NAVAL    SONGS.  317 

So  from  each  gallant  vessel's  side, 
Our  dreadful  port-holes  gaping  wide, 

Through  fire  and  smoke 

The  thunders  broke, 

And  muttering  spoke 

By  every  stroke 

Destruction  to  the  foe  ! 
Mid  blood  and  fire  each  vessel  rides, 
And  down  their  smoke  enveloped  sides 
A  torrent-red  of  life-blood  glides 

Into  the.  lake  below. 

Their  shrouds,  masts,  yards,  while  falling,  crack, 
And  every  vessel  seems  a  wreck, 
As  death  and  ruin  crowd  each  deck 

With  trophies  of  their  deeds. 
Ours  !  work  and  fight  as  nothing  fearing, 
They  now  another  flag  are  rearing, 
And  yonder  vessel  disappearing 

Their  fire  and  valour  feeds. 

One  ship  is  sunk  !  one  flag  is  down, 
And  adverse  thunders  rarely  sound, 
Opposing  seamen  bleed  around, 

And  fall  among  their  guns. 
Each  ship  a  moving  hearse  goes  on, 
Crowded  with  men  whose  souls  are  gone, 
Who  now  above  the  billows  borne, 

No  more  are  Albion's  sons. 

The  strife  has  ceased — Champlain  no  more 
Is  troubled  with  the  cannon's  roar, 
No  thunders  break  from  yonder  shore— 
The  victor  is  Macdonough  : 

27* 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

The  clouds  disperse,  the  sky  serene 
Has  not  a  cloud  to  intervene, 
And  silence  reigns  through  every  scene, 
The  forest  and  the  billow. 

As  the  Spartan  of  old,  when  he  travell'd  afar, 
O'er  the  scenes  where  his  forefathers  bled  in  the  war, 
At  Thermopylaj's  straits,  where  Leonidas'  band 
Could  the  millions  of  Persia  with  glory  withstand  ; 
On  the  scene  as  he  gazed,  and  was  roused  by  the 

sight, 
And  long'd  to  encounter  some  foe  in  the  fight — 
So  the  American  youth,  when  he  wanders  along 
The  scene  of  those  deeds  that  you've  heard  in  my 

song, 
Will  gaze  at  Champlain,  and  go  over  in  thought 
The  deeds  of  that  day  when  his  countrymen  fought ; 
Will  cry,  as  the  wave  on  the  lake  he  may  follow, 
"There    fought    the    brave    and   the    gallant   Mac- 

donough  !" 


160  THE  ALLIGATOR*. 

BY    JOHN    G.    C.    BRA1NARD. 

That  steed  has  lost  his  rider!     I  have  seen 
His  snuffing  nostril,  and  his  pawing  hoof; 
His  eyeball  lighting  to  the  cannon's  blaze, 
His  sharp  ear  pointed,  and  each  ready  nerve, 
Obedient  to  a  whisper; — his  white  mane 

*  The  United  States  schooner  Alligator  was  wrecked  on 
her  return  from  the  West  India  station,  after  the  murder,  by 
the  pirates,  other  commander,  Captain  Allen. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  319 

Curling-  with  eagerness,  as  if  it  bore, 
To  squadron'd  foes,  the  sign  of  victory, 
Where'er  his  bounding  speed  could  carry  it. 
But  now,  with  languid  step,  he  creeps  along, 
Falters,  and  groans,  and  dies. 

And  I  hav^  seen 
Yon  foundering  vessel,  when  with  crowding  sail, 
With  smoking  bulwarks  and  with  blazing  sides, 
Sporting  away  the  foam  before  her  prow, 
And  heaving  down  her  side  to  the  brave  chase, 
She  seem'd  to  share  the  glories  of  the  bold  ! 
But  now  with  flagging  canvass,  lazily 
She  moves  ;  and  stumbling  on  the  rock,  she  sinks, 
As  broken-hearted  as  that  faithful  steed, 
That  lost  his  rider,  and  laid  down,  and  died. 


161  NAVAL  SONG. 

BY    MISS    ELIZABETH    ALLEN. 

When  Britain,  fired  with  savage  rage, 
A  sister  nation  did  engage; — 
When  hill  and  plain  and  sandy  shore, 
Were  stain'd  with  floods  of  human  gore. 

Not  far  from  Champlain's  craggy  side, 
Macdonough's  fleet  was  seen  to  ride ; 
While  Downie,  pleased  his  foe  to  meet, 
In  hostile  row  approach'd  his  fleet. 

And  manful  hearts  beat  quick  and  high, 
As  they  the  solemn  scene  descry  ; 


320  NAVAL    SONGS. 

And  hastening  onward  sought  the  strand, 
Or  height,  that  prospect  might  command. 

One  gentle  form,  with  glossy  hair, 
Came  too,  the  mournful  view  to  share ; 
Clad  in  a  wedding-robe,  her  eye 
Cast  upward,  while  she  thus  did  cry  : — 

"  0,  God  of  mercy  !  hear  my  prayer ! 
Let  my  Philander  be  thy  care ; 
And  grant  him  strength  to  act  his  part, 
But  guide  the  death-shot  from  his  heart. 

Yet  as  thou  wilt — and  I'll  be  still, 
And  own  the  justice  of  thy  will ; 
But  should  thy  goodness  deign  to  spare, 
Thy  mercy  ever  I'll  declare." 

But  0  !  the  cannon's  horrid  din, 
Resounds,  and  quick  resounds  again; 
A  trembling  seizes  every  limb, 
Pallid  her  cheek,  her  eye  grows  dim. 

Mute  as  the  rock  on  which  she  sate, 
To  wait  the  dread  approach  of  fate  ; 
No  murmur  'scaped,  no  sigh  was  heard, 
Her  God  was  just,  and  him  she  fear'd. 

But  hark  !  those  peals  victorious  sound, 
A  victor  sure  his  way  hath  found  ; 
Macdonough  !  thine  must  be  the  day, 
For  heaven  had  mark'd  thy  better  way. 

Yes  !  comes  the  bearer,  "  Tidings  new  ! 
Macdonough,  with  his  gallant  few, 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

A  victory  complete  did  gain, 

While  Downie  with  his  aids  are  slain." 

Elvira,  long  with  grief  oppress'd, 
Now  feels  the  load  forsake  her  breast ; 
Philander  comes,  with  laurels  crown'd, 
And  shouts  from  hills  and  vales  resound. 

And  mountains  took  the  echo  too, 
And  heralds  on  fleet  pinions  flew  ; 
Whilst  all  Columbia's  sons  proclaim, 
Their  hero  in  Macdonough's  name. 


162     ON  THE  DEATH  OF  COMMODORE 
OLIVER  H.  PERRY. 

BV    JOHN    G.    C.    BRAINARD. 
"By  strangers  honour'd,  and  by  strangers  mourn'd." 
How  sad  the  note  of  that  funereal  drum, 

That's  muffled  by  indifference  to  the  dead ! 
And  how  reluctantly  the  echoes  come, 

On  air  that  sighs  not  o'er  that  stranger's  bed, 
Who  sleeps  with  death  alone — O'er  his  young  head 
His  native  breezes  never  more  shall  sigh  ; 

On  his  lone  grave  the  careless  step  shall  tread, 
And  pestilential  vapours  soon  shall  dry 
Each  shrub  that  buds  around — Each  flower  that  blushes 
nigh. 

Let  Genius,  poising  on  her  full-fledged  wing, 
Fill  the  charm'd  air  with  thy  deserved  praise  : 

Of  war,  and  blood,  and  carnage  let  her  sing, 
Of  victory  and  glory  ! — let  her  gaze 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

On   the   dark   smoke    that   shrouds    the    cannon's 
blaze ; 
On  the  red  foam  that  crests  the  bloody  billow  ; 

Then  mourn  the  sad  close  of  thy  shorten'd  days ; 
Place  on  thy  country's  brow  the  weeping  willow, 
And  plant  the  laurels  thick  around  thy  last  cold  pil- 
low. 

No  sparks  of  Grecian  fire  to  me  belong : 

Alike  uncouth  the  poet  and  the  lay  : 
Unskill'd  to  turn  the  mighty  tide  of  song, 

He  floats  along  the  current  as  he  may, 

The  humble  tribute  of  a  tear  to  pay, 
Another  hand  may  choose  another  theme, 

May  sing  of  Nelson's  last  and  brightest  day, 
Of  Wolfe's  unequall'd  and  unrivall'd  fame, 
The  wave  of  Trafalgar — the  field  of  Abraham. 

But  if  the  wild  winds  of  thy  western  lake 

Might  teach  a  harp  that  fain  would  mourn  the  brave, 
And  sweep  those  strings  a  minstrel  may  not  wake, 

Or  give  an  echo  from  some  secret  cave 

That  opens  on  romantic  Erie's  wave, 
The  feeble  chord  would  not  be  swept  in  vain; 

And  though  the  sound  might  never  reach  thy  grave, 
Yet  there  are  spirits  here,  that  to  the  strain 
Would  send  a  still  small  voice  responsive  back  again. 

And  though  the  yellow  plague  infest  the  air; 

Though  noxious  vapours  blight  the  turf,  where  rest 
The  manly  form,  and  the  bold  heart  of  war; 

Yet  should  that  deadly  isle  afar  be  blest; 

For  the  fresh  breezes  of  thy  native  west 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

Should  seek  and  sigh  around  thy  early  tomb, 

Moist  with  the  tears  of  those  who  loved  thee  best, 
Scented  with  sighs  of  love  ;  there  grief  should  come, 
And  memory  guard  thy  grave,  and  mourn  thy  hapless 
doom. 

It  may  not  be.     Too  feeble  is  the  hand, 

Too  weak  and  frail  the  harp,  the  lay  too  brief 
To  speak  the  sorrows  of  a  mourning  land, 

Weeping  in  silence  for  her  youthful  chief. 

Yet  may  an  artless  tear  proclaim  more  grief 
Than  mock  affection's  arts  can  ever  show  ; 

A  heart-felt  sigh  can  give  a  sad  relief, 
Which  all  the  sobs  of  counterfeited  woe, 
Trick'd  off  in  foreign  garb  could  ever  hope  to  know. 


163  A  MARINER'S  SONG. 

BY    JOHN    G.    C.    BRA1NARD. 

Though  now  we  are  sluggish  and  lazy  on  shore, 
Yet  soon  shall  we  be  where  the  wild  waters  roar; 
Where  the  wind  through  the  hoarse  rattling  cordage 

shall  rave, 
And  fling  the  white  foam  from  the  top  of  the  wave. 

Y"es,  soon  o'er  the  waters  the  Essex  shall  sweep, 
And  bear  all  the  thunders  of  war  o'er  the  deep  ; 
While  the  hands  that  are  hard,  and  the  hearts  that  are 

brave, 
Shall  give  the  bold  frigate  the  top  of  the  wave. 


324  NAVAL    SONGS. 

And  though  some  one  among  us  may  never  return. 
His    comrades    shall    sorrow,   his    messmates   shall 

mourn  ; 
Though  his  body  may  sink  to  a  watery  grave, 
His  spirit  shall  rise  to  the  top  of  the  wave. 

Then  a  health  to  John  Adams,  and  long  may  he  reign 
O'er  the   mountains,  the  valley,  the  shore,  and  the 

main  ; 
May  he  have  the  same  breeze  which  to  Washington 

gave, 
In  his  cruise  o'er  the  waters,  the  top  of  the  wave. 


164  THE  SEA-GULL.* 

BY    JOHN    G.    C.    BRAINARD. 
44  Ibis  et  redibis  nunquam  peribis  in  bello."— Oracle. 

I  seek  not  the  grove  where  the  wood-robins  whistle, 
Where  the  light  sparrows  sport  and  the  linnets  pair; 

I  seek  not  the  bower  where  the  ring-doves  nestle, 
For  none  but  the  maid  and  her  lover  are  there. 

On  the  clefts  of  the  wave-wash'd  rock  I  sit, 
When  the  ocean  is  roaring  and  raving  nigh  ; 

On  the  howling  tempest  I  scream  and  flit, 

With  the  storm  in  my  wing,  and  the  gale  in  my 
eye. 

And  when  the  bold  sailor  climbs  the  mast, 

And  sets  his  canvass  gallantly, 
Laughing  at  all  his  perils  past, 

And  seeking  more  on  the  mighty  sea; 

*  Commodore  Porter's  vessel. 


NAVAL   SONGS. 

I'll  flit  to  his  vessel  and  perch  on  the  truck, 

Or  sing  in  the  hardy  pilot's  ear ; 
That  her  deck  shall  be  like  my  wave-washed  rock, 

And  her  top  like  my  nest  when  the  storm  is  near. 

Her  cordage  the  branches  that  I  will  grace  ; 

Her  rigging  the  grave  where  I  will  whistle  ; 
Her  wind-swung  hammock  my  pairing  place, 

Where  I  by  the  seaboy's  side  will  nestle. 

And  when  the  fight,  like  the  storm,  comes  on, 
Mid  the  warriors  shout  and  the  battle's  noise, 

I'll  cheer  him  by  the  deadly  gun, 
Till  he  loves  the  music  of  its  voice. 

And  if  death's  dark  mist  shall  his  eye  bedim, 
And  they  plunge  him  beneath  the  fathomless  wave, 

A  wild  note  shall  sing  his  requiem, 
And  a  white  wing  flap  o'er  his  early  grave. 


165  LAKE  ERIE. 

September  10,  1813. 

BY    WILLIAM    B.    TAPPAN. 

'Tis  midnight,  the  dark  wave  of  Erie  flows  lone, 
Mid  the  gloom  of  the  forest  that  shadows  it  round  ; 

The  slow-winding  surge  lends  its  deep  sullen  moan 
And  the  hoarse  winds  reluctantly  echo  the  sound. 

'Tis  midnight,  and  see  mid  the  gleam  of  the  wave, 
Where  'neath  the  cold  ray  their  sad  vigils  they 
keep — 
In  the  mists  of  the  foaming,  the  souls  of  the  brave, 
As  all  lonely  they  march  o'er  the  cliff  of  the  deep  ! 
28 


326  NAVAL    SONGS. 


'Tis  midnight;  they  tell  when  the  thunder  of  war 
Proclaim'd  the  approach  of  the  dark  battle  fray; 
When  the  blast  and  the  death-drum  roll'd  deeply  and 
far, 
While  the  angel  of  blood  hovered    high  o'er  his 
prey. 

Look  afar,  'tis  hope's  symbol,  the  flag  of  the  free  ! 

Through  the  red  cloud  it  gleams  on  the  war-shatter'd 
mast. 
Proud  stars  !  soon  the  types  of  stern  triumph  to  be, 

Bright  pledge  of  the  future,  the  pride  of  the  past. 

The  tall  barks  in  merciless  conflict  have  near'd, 
Death  gleams  on  the  blade  as  they  charge  on  the  foe  ; 

And  hark  !   'tis  the  shouting  of  victory  heard, 
Columbia,  thy  foemen  in  battle  are  low ! 

'Neath  the  dark  waves  of  Erie  now  slumber  the  brave, 
In  the  bed  of  its  waters  forever  they  rest; 

The  flag  of  their  glory  floats  over  their  grave  ; 
The  souls  of  the  heroes  in  memory  are  bless'd. 


166  HORNET  TRIUMPHANT. 

Rejoice,  rejoice,  Fredonia's  sons  rejoice, 

And  swell  the  loud  trumpet  to  patriotic  strain, 
Your  choice,  your  choice,  fair  Freedom  is  your  choice, 

Then  celebrate  her  triumphs  on  the  main, 
For  the  trumpet  of  Neptune  Iqag  by  Britain  wielded 
At  length  to  Freedom  it  reluctantly  yielded. 
Then  for  Hull,  Decatur,  Jones, 
And  for  Bainbridge  swell  the  tones, 


NAVAL    SONGS.  327 

While  the  ready  hand  of  Fame 
Bright  emblazons  every  name, 
Brave  Lawrence,  gallant  Lawrence,  now  is  shouted 
with  acclaim. 
Huzza  !  huzza !  huzza !  huzza  !  huzza!  my  boys, 

Free  is  our  soil  and  the  ocean  shall  be  free, 
Our  tars  shall  Mars  protect  beneath  our  stars, 
And  Freedom's  eagle  hover  o'er  the  sea. 

Attend,  attend,  ye  gallant  tars  attend, 

While  your  deeds  are  recounted  in  patriotic  song ; 
Ascend,  ascend,  your  banners  high  ascend, 

And  the  cannon  with  loud  chorus  still  prolong. 
First,  the  bold  Constitution  set  the  path  of  glory, 
And  "the   gallant  little   Wasp   then  added  to   the 
Soon  a  brighter  glory  awaits  [strong  ; 

The  renown'd  United  States, 
For  she  gave  Columbia's  fleet 
The  new  frigate  that  she  beat, 
While  the  gallant  Constitution  sunk  another  in  the 
deep.  Then  huzza,  &c. 

Again,  again,  Columbia's  flag  again, 

Triumphantly  floats  where  Britannia's  used  to  soar, 
In  vain  the  main  has  raised  the  Peacock  vain, 
Her  gaudy  rainbow's  honours  are  no  more, 
She  by  Lawrence  in  the  Hornet  was  so  neatly  basted, 
A  better  roasted  bird  John  Bull  had  never  tasted, 

Till  she  ended  her  career, 

Like  the  Java  and  Guerriere, 

For  the  Hornet's  sting  was  plied, 

And  the  sea  with  blushes  died, 
And  the  tyrant's  fifth  defeat  in  its  bosom  sought  to 

hide.  Then  huzza,  &c. 


NAVAL    SONGS. 


Unite,  unite,  Columbia's  sons  unite, 

And  hurl  on  aggression  the  tempest  they  provoke 
Your  fight  is  right,  then  raise  your  sabres  bright, 

And  Britons  soon  shall  tremble  at  the  stroke. 
The  foe  on  our  coast  puts  the  mountain  oak  in  motion, 
Then   fly  to  the   main,  for  your  wrongs  are  on  the 
ocean ; 
Then  in  flood  and  fire 
Every  tar  shall  breathe  his  ire, 
His  motto  while  he  fights, 
Be  "  Free  trade  and  sailors'  rights," 

Then  huzza,  &c. 


167  NAVAL  SONG.— 1814. 

BY    WILLIAM    MAXWELL. 

Ye  seamen  of  Columbia  ! 

Now  claim  your  native  sea ; 
Break  off  Britannia's  galling  chain, 

And  set  the  billows  free. 
The  spirit  of  your  country  calls, 
And  points  where  ocean  rolls  : 

Ye  shall  reign  o'er  the  main, 
While  the  angry  surges  roar; 

Till  the  sun  sets  never  to  rise  again, 
And  the  moon  looks  out  no  more. 

'Twas  o'er  the  waves  of  ocean, 
Our  gallant  fathers  came  ; 

Their  spirits  braved  the  raging  blasts 
And  made  the  billows  tame. 


NAVAL    SONGS,  329 

Sail  boldly  in  their  shining-  wake, 
Beneath  heaven's  guiding  star. 
Ye  shall  reign,  &c. 

Our  valiant  tars  fear  nothing : 

Cradled  in  wars  and  storms, 
They  smile  at  images  of  death 

In  all  their  ghastly  forms ; 
Now  playing  with  the  spouting  whale, 

Now  managing  the  foe. 
Ye  shall  reign,  &c. 

Columbia's  daring  eagle, 

Still  soaring  to  the  sky, 
Shall  launch  her  thunders  o'er  the  sea, 

And  bid  her  lightnings  fly. 
Her  foes  shall  shrink  in  wild  dismay, 

And  hide  beneath  the  waves. 
Ye  shall  reign,  &c. 


168  PERRY'S  VICTORY. 

O'er  the  bosom  of  Erie,  in  fanciful  pride, 
Did  the  fleet  of  Old  England  exultingly  ride  ; 
Till  the  flag  of  Columbia  her  Perry  unfurl'd, 
The  boast  of  the  west,  and  the  pride  of  the  world. 

The  spirit  of  Lawrence  his  influence  sheds, 
To  the  van  of  the  fight,  while  the  Lawrence  he  leads ; 
There  death  dealt  around,  though  such  numbers  op- 
pose, 
And  levell'd  the  gun  at  fair  Liberty's  foes. 
28* 


330  NAVAL   SONGS. 

When  cover'd  with  slain,  from  his  deck  he  withdrew, 
And  left  the  Niagara  the  fight  to  renew  ; 
Where,  undaunted  in  danger,  our  sea-beaten  tars 
O'er  the  cross  of  St.  George  waved  the  stripes  and  the 
stars. 

Six  ships,  while  our  banners  triumphantly  flew, 
Submitted  to  tars  who  were  born  to  subdue; 
When  they  rush'd  to  the  battle,  resolved  to  maintain 
The  freedom  of  trade  and  our  right  to  the  main ! 

With  the  glory  of  conquest  our  heroes  are  crown'd  ; 
Let  their   brows  with   the  bright  naval  chaplet   be 

bound  ! 
For  still  should  the  foe  dare  the  fight  to  sustain. 
Gallant  Perry  shall  lead  them  to  conquest  again. 


169      BRILLIANT  NAVAL  VICTORIES. 

BY    HENRY    C.    LEWIS. 

An  American  song  to  a  British  tune,  viz.  "  Battle  of  the  .Vj.7  " 

To  arms,  to  arms  !  Republic  of  the  West ! 

Assert  your  rights,  avenge  your  wrongs  afar  ; 
To  arms,  to  arms  !  Republic  of  the  West ! 

And  show  the  world  what  freemen  are  in  war  ! 
This  was  the  voice  of  chieftains  call'd  to  duty, 
And  freemen,  at  the  word,  left  country,   home,  and 
beauty  ; 
Resolving  to  maintain, 
Their  rights  upon  the  main  : 
Resolving  to  maintain 
Their  rights  upon  the  main  : 
And  wave  their  Eagle  flag  o'er  Lion  foes  again. 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

To  arms,  huzza!  to  arms,  huzza  !  Columbia  ! 

Heaven  will  guard  the  flag  that  Justice  has  un- 
furl'd  : 
To  arms,  huzza  !  to  arms,  huzza  !  Columbia  ! 

And  gun  to  gun,  and  man  to  man,  defy  the  world. 

The  Queen  of  Ocean,  insolent  and  vain, 

Had  long  usurp'd  the  freedom  of  the  seas  ; 
And  with  her  thousand  ships  upon  the  main, 
Call'd  on  the  world  to  bow  to  her  decrees  ; 
Orders  in  council — British  legislation 
Must  be  obey'd  by  each  and  every  neutral  nation  ; 
But  freemen  with  disdain 
Opposed  her  servile  chain  ; 
But  freemen  with  disdain 
Opposed  her  servile  chain, 
And  rose,  indignant  rose,  to  meet  her  on  the  main. 
To  arms,  huzza !  &c. 

Britannia,  once  so  great,  with  proud  disdain, 

Sent  thundering  to  the  main  her  seaborn  slaves  ; 
To  scourge  our  daring  pride — our  vaunting  vain — 

And  sweep  our  flag  from  off  the  mountain  waves ! 
Her  Guerriere  first  sought  noble  Hull's  surrender, 
But  Hull  return'd  her  only  iron  bolts  of  thunder ! 
Which  made  the  enemy 
Soon  yield  the  victory — 
Which  made  the  enemy 
Soon  yield  the  victory, 
While  safely  waved  our  starry  flag  triumphantly  ! 
To  arms,  huzza  !  &c. 

In  battle  trim,  (fit  emblem  of  our  fleet,) 
The  Wasp  and  Hornet  proudly  plough  the  main  ; 


332  NAVAL    SONGS. 

And  soon  with  Britons  bold  they  fearless  meet, 

And  bravely  wage  the  daring  war  again. 
Free  trade  and  sailor's  rights,  the  cannon  rattles  ! 
And  for  our  Jones   and  Lawrence    soon  decide  the 
battles ! 
Britannia's  Frolic's  o'er, 
Her  Peacock  is  no  more; 
Britannia's  Frolic's  o'er, 
Her  Peacock  is  no  more, 
And  every  tar  proclaim'd  the  hero  of  his  shore. 
To  arms,  huzza  !  &c. 

To  gain  his  country  laurels  and  applause, 

Another  hero  dares  the  astonish'd  foe ; 
And  soon  in  glory  to  our  righteous  cause, 

Our  Constitution  lays  the  Java  low! 
The  freedom  of  the  seas,  each  tar  maintaining 
And  commerce,  and  our  rights  with  loud  huzzas  pro- 
claiming. 
And  Bainbridge  read  his  name, 
Bright  on  the  roll  of  fame  ; 
And  Bainbridge  read  his  name, 
Bright  on  the  roll  of  fame, 
Emblazon'd  by  the  Java  bursting  into  flame  ! 
To  arms,  huzza!  &c. 

The  royal  Macedonian,  Albion's  pride, 
Decatur  hail'd,  a  deathless  name  to  gain; 

And,  proud  of  such  a  foe,  at  once  defied 

Her  boasted  prowess  vaunting  on  the  main  ! 

The  battle  rages  godlike  !  hark  !  what  clashing  ! 

Destruction's  o'er  her  flag  !  what  dreadful,  thundering 
crashing ! 


NAVAL    SONGS.  333 

She  strikes,  she  strikes,  huzza  ! 
Exclaims  each  freeborn  tar  ; 
She  strikes,  she  strikes,  huzza  ! 
Exclaims  each  freeborn  tar, 
And  brave  Decatur  hail  triumphant  through  the  war  ! 
To  arms,  huzza  !  &c. 

Prepare,  again  prepare  your  joyful  songs, 

The  hero  of  Ontario  to  greet ; 
A  grateful  nation's  praise  again  belongs 

To  Chauncey,  who  all  foemen  dread  to  meet! 
Through  boasting  Yeo's  fleet  he  sail'd  victorious, 
And  now  his  honour'd  name  through  all  the  world  is 
glorious. 
The  vaunting  Briton  flies, 
Brave  Chauncey  "victory"  cries  ! 
The  vaunting  Briton  flies, 
Brave  Chauncey  "  victory"  cries  ! 
And  in  the  flying  fight  full  many  a  foeman  dies  ! 
To  arms,  huzza  !  &c. 

Sound,  sound  for  him  the  martial  trump  of  Fame, 
Who  on  our  foes  complete  destruction  hurl'd  ! 
Sound  louder  still  the  gallant  hero's  name, 

Who  spread  our  glory  through  the  warring  world. 
Led  on  to  fame  by  great  immortal  Perry, 
Victorious  rode  our  ships  o'er    British-blood-stain'd 
Erie  ! 
Their  fleet  of  hostile  powers, 
"  He  met,  and  they  were  ours  !" 
Their  fleet  of  hostile  powers, 
"  He  met,  and  they  were  ours  !" 
And  Albion  wept  that  day  o'er  all  her  fading  flowers ! 
To  arms,  huzza  !  &c. 


334  NAVAL    SO 

The  voice  of  sacred  praise  be  justly  due, 

To  sainted  Lawrence,  Freedom's  favourite  son ! 
Lamented  Burrows  claims  our  honours  too — 

His  country's  laurels  he  too  dearly  won! 
Though  lost  for  evermore,  they're  still  our  glory, 
And  both  shall  ever  live  in  many  a  naval  story  ! 
Their  dying  minstrelsy 
Was  loud  artillery ; 
Their  dying  minstrelsy 
Was  loud  artillery, 
And  Britain  honour'd  such  true  sons  of  libertv. 
To  arms,  huzza  !  &c. 

Brethren  in  arms  !  with  honest  pride,  behold 

Our  naval  columns  rising  to  your  fame; 
Blazing  on  high  with  characters  of  gold, 

In  brilliant  glory  to  his  honour'd  name  ! 
And  without  number  lighted  windows  flaming. 
In  tribute  to  the  braVe  each  gallant  action  naming! 
Which  shall  immortal  be, 
In  grateful  memory  ; 
Which  shall  immortal  be, 
In  grateful  memory, 
And  sung  in  choral  strains  by  all  posterity  ! 
To  arms,  huzza  !  to  arms,  huzza!  Columbia! 

Revenge  your  injured  flag,  protect  your  rights  and 
laws  ; 
To  arms,  huzza  !  to  arms,  huzza  !  Columbia! 
And  bear  the  olive  home  with  honour  and  ap- 
plause. 


NAVAL  SONGS.  S3 5 

170  ODE  ADDRESSED  TO  DAVID  PORTER, 

Commander  of  the  late  United  States  frigate,  Essex. 

Again  our  Eagle's  anger'd  eyes 
Dart  lightning  through  our  clouded  skies  ; 
A^ain  her  vengeful  thunder's  hurl'd 
Astounding  the  admiring  world. 

Again  the  soul  of  honour  braves 
The  mighty  mistress  of  the  waves  ; 
Again,  though  in  unequal  war, 
Columbia's  heroes  from  afar, 
New  glories  from  her  power  wring, 
And  "  Io  Paeans"  still  we  sing; 
For  fame  and  laurels  nobly  won 
By  the  true  sons  of  Washington. 
From  Erie's  lake,  to  where  the  main 
No  more  invades  old  ocean's  reign, 
The  north  and  south  with  equal  cheer 
The  praises  of  our  captains  hear  ; 
Them  honour  follows  to  the  last,  * 
Nor  falls  the  laurel  with  a  mast ; 
In  life  or  death,  that  still,  is  spread 
Eternal,  round  the  hero's  head. 

War-doom'd  the  wide  expanse  to  plough 
Of  ocean  with  a  single  prow, 
Midst  hosts  of  foes  with  lynx's  eye 
And  lion  fang  close  hovering  by. 
You,  Porter,  dared  the  dangerous  course, 
Without  a  home  without  resource, 
Save  that  which  heroes  always  find 
In  nautic  skill  and  power  of  mind  ; 


336  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Save,  where  your  stars  in  conquest  shone, 
And  stripes  made  wealth  of  foes  your  own. 

You  heard  of  Perry's  glorious  fame, 
Of  Lawrence's  immortal  name, 
Of  Hull,  Decatur,  Bainbridge,  Jones, 
Columbia's  honour'd  naval  sons, 
Of  all,  indeed,  who  traced  the  clue, 
By  Washington  reveal'd  to  view, 
How  through  the  labyrinth  of  war 
Or  peace,  to  guide  Columbia's  car; 
To  happiness  in  times  of  rest, 
To  victory  in  the  stern  contest; 
And  emulous  yourself  to  prove 
Deserving  of  your  country's  love, 
You  dared  against  a  double  foe 
To  deal  the  honour  guided  blow. 

However  ends  the  glorious  strife, 

In  honour'd  death  or  honour'd  life, 

No  blot  the  page  of  fame  can  stain 

When  bravely  all  their  posts  maintain  : 

Exalted  high  the  hero's  name, 

Who  fights  for  country  more  than  fame  ; 

But  dastard  they  who  take  their  flight 

With  but  an  equal  foe  in  sight ; 

Who  wear  their  trappings  but  for  show, 

And  run  before  they've  felt  a  blow  ; 

Not,  Porter,  such  thy  generous  tars; 

Unharrass'd  by  intestine  jars, 

And  all  inviolably  true, 

They  look'd  and  smiled,  and  felt  from  you, 

Thence  caught  the  inspiring  flame  that  shone 

Till  more  than  valour  claim'd  was  done. 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

The  Essex  lost,  not  yours  the  blame, 
You  still  maintain  a  conqueror's  fame ; 
'Tis  not  in  mortal  to  prevail 
When  double  force  our  power  assail. 
Already  weaken'd  by  the  blast 
And  cumber'd  with  a  fallen  mast ; 
Contending  'gainst  superior  might, 
'Twas  victory  to  sustain  the  fight. 

Soft  Pity  here  may  drop  a  tear 
Upon  the  slaughter'd  sailor's  bier ; 
And  mourn  the  fate  that  urged  the  brave 
To  glut  with  honour'd  corpse  the  grave ; 
And  stern  Morality  may  view 
With  pain  a  daring  suffering  crew, 
With  ship  dismantled  by  the  blast, 
Defending  freedom  to  the  last, 
Where  not  a  hope  or  chance  appear'd 
That  conquest's  standard  could  be  rear'd. 

How  many  calmly  sit  at  home 
And  suffer  reason  wild  to  roam, 
And  cloak'd  themselves,  in  cold  debate, 
Decide  upon  a  hero's  fate  ! 
With  grave  philosophy  content, 
They  argue  on  each  new  event, 
Without  a  sympathy  or  thought, 
They  know  not  how  a  battle's  fought; 
To  them  are  nothing  winds  and  tides, 
They  dream  but  of  their  own  firesides  ; 
And  talk  without  the  least  emotion, 
Of  struggling  patriots  on  the  ocean. 
29 


338  NAVAL    SONGS. 


To  them  the  rocks  and  foaming  seas 
Are  naught,  while  they  can  sit  at  ease  ; 
Nor  feel  they  how  the  bosom  glows 
When  patriot  valour  meets  her  foes  ; 
Nor  know  how  high  the  flame  aspires, 
That's  kindled  by  bright  honour's  fires ; 
Nor  think  the  virtue  of  the  brave, 
Can  e'er  disdain  themselves  to  save, 
While  perseverance  can  enthrone 
Their  country's  glory  or  their  own. 
But,  by  the  sons  of  Washington 
The  entangled  thread  is  soon  outspun, 
And  mystery's  knot  untied,  becomes 
A  guide  to  freedom  and  our  homes. 

Thine,  Porter,  was  the  cruel  pain 
To  see  thy  comrades  fall  in  vain  ; 
Yet  no,  they've  raised  Columbia's  name 
6till  higher  in  the  lists  of  fame ; 
And  but  that  feeling's  tear  must  fall 
On  the  regretted  fate  of  all, 
One  thought  might  lighten  all  our  care 
And  teach  us  never  to  despair ; 
Weigh  the  event,  all  dangers  braved, 
A  vessel  lost — a  hero  saved. 

Loudly  shall  Valparaiso's  bay 

To  her  proud  mountains  sound  the  lay, 

The  mountains  echo  back  again 

The  ever-welcomed  honour'd  strain; 

The  playful  sun  that  with  its  beams 

Adorns  her  tributary  streams, 

Shall  cause  them  shine  with  brighter  glow, 

As  to  the  honour'd  bay  they  tlow  ; 


NAVAL   SONGS. 

The  bay  itself  when  tempests  roar, 
And  light  with  fiery  foam  its  shore, 
Will  still  recall  the  eventful  day, 
That  gilt  our  stars  with  solar  ray. 

"Yield  not  the  ship,"  our  Lawrence  cried, 
And  on  the  solemn  order  died. 
"Blow  up  the  ship,"  was  your  decree, 
From  soul-inspired  liberty ; 
Thoughts  of  the  wounded  in  the  wreck 
Gave  valour  an  immediate  check, 
And,  mercy's  countermand  obey'd, 
The  intended  patriot  deed  was  stay'd, 
Now  no  alternative  remain'd  ; 
All  honour  was  already  gain'd  ; 
The  flag  was  struck,  but  not  to  foes ; 
In  pity  to  thy  comrades'  wlies' 
Struck  was  ^he  flag  alone  to  save 
From  ocean's  bed  the  wounded  brave, 

Such  are  the  honours  nobly  won 
By  the  true  sons  of  Washington. 


171     FOURTH  OF  JULY  SONG. 

Tune — "Rule  Britannia." 

When  America  first,  at  Heaven's  command, 

Arose  to  curb  old  Britain's  pride, 
Drive  tyranny  from  out  the  land, 
Fair  Freedom  echo'd  far  and  wide, 
"  Rouse,  America  !  rouse,  be  free, 
For  nature's  God  gave  liberty." 


340  NAVAL    SONGS. 


To  thee  belongs  the  peaceful  reitrn  : 

Thy  cities  shall  with  commerce  flow  ; 
Thy  ships  explore  the  boundless  main, 
And  plenty  laugh  at  ever}'  foe, 
Hail,  America  !  thou  art  free, 
The  universe  shall  trade  with  thee. 

The  nations  not  so  blest  as  we 

Shall  in  their  turn  to  tyrants  fall, 
Whilst  thou  shalt  rise  triumphantly, 
The  glory  and  the  joy  of  all. 
Hail,  America  !  thou  art  free, 
Slavish  Britons  envy  thee. 

Still  more  majestic  shalt  thou  rise, 

Upheld  by  France's  friendly  wing. 
And  view  thy  commerce — swift  it  flies 
As  Neptune's  car — old  ocean's  king. 
Hail,  America  !  thou  art  free,* 
The  sea-gods  all  are  friends  to  thee. 

Each  haughty  tyrant's  sordid  yoke, 

Their  vain  attempts  to  bend  thee  down, 
Shall  fall  beneath  thy  manly  stroke, 
With  broken  sceptre  and  lost  crown  ! 
Hail,  America!  thou  art  free, 
Thou'st  fought  and  bled  for  liberty. 

The  muses  on  seraphic  win<j. 

Shall  to  thy  happy  coasts  repair 
With  laurel  crown'd,  and  chant  and  sing. 
To  manly  hearts,  who  guard  the  free, 
Smile,  America!  thou  art  fair, 
The  muses  all  are  friends  to  thee. 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

Congratulating  bowls  go  round 

To  Washington,  and  never  cease  ; 
In  shouts  of  triumph,  with  music  crown'd, 
To  Safety,  Liberty,  and  Peace. 
Smile,  America !  thou  art  free, 
In  spite  of  George  and  tyranny. 

For  Freedom  hearts  and  hands  we'll  join, 

Blest  Independence,  hope  and  joy  ! 
The  theme  how  noble,  how  divine ! 
Join,  join  the  annual  feu-de-joye. 
Smile,  America  !  thou  art  free, 
A  race  of  heroes  springs  from  thee. 


172  NAVAL  SONG.— 1815. 

BY    WILLIAM    MAXWELL. 

Come,  all  ye  tars  that  brave  the  sea, 

Now  hear  Columbia's  call : 
Her  glorious  banner  soon  shall  be 

Our  canopy  or  pall. 
We  rush  to  meet  the  vaunting  foe, 
And  lay  his  proud  ambition  low. 
Columbia's  gallant  tars 

Shall  range  the  ocean  free, 
And  bear  her  union  stars 
In  triumph  o'er  the  sea. 

We  fight  with  no  ambitious  aim 
To  rule  the  waves  alone ; 

Nor  to  destroy  another's  claim, 
But  to  maintain  our  own ; 
29* 


342  NAVAL    SONGS. 


And  those  base  chains  of  servile  fear, 
We  would  not  give,  we  will  not  wear. 
Columbia's  gallant  tars,  &c. 

Contending  for  our  equal  right, 

Against  usurping  pride ; 
We  war  with  unresisted  might, 

For  Heaven  is  on  our  side  ; 
And  'tis  no  mortal  hand  we  know, 
That  aims  our  thunders  at  the  foe. 
Columbia's  gallant  tars,  fcc. 


173         ODE  TO  ISAAC  HULL,  ESQ., 

Of  the  United  States  navy,  on  the  capture  of  the  Guerriere 
by  the  Constitution  under  his  command,  on  the  19th  of  Au- 
gust, 1812. 

BY    WILLIAM    MAXWELL. 

What  shouts  of  rapture  burst  around  ! 
And  shrinks  the  timid  muse  alone  ? 
Awake  the  lyre,  and  bid  it  sound 

To  make  Columbia's  triumph  known! 
And  sweeter  than  the  mermaid's  strain. 
Thy  song  shall  stream  across  the  main, 
Till  Britain's  shore  returns  again 
The  deathless  name  of  Hull,  with  deep  and  inward 
moan. 

High  on  that  stern  of  naval  pride, 

Behold  the  modest  hero  now  1 
How  gallantly  she  breasts  the  tide, 

The  stately  ship  with  fearless  prow  ! 


NAVAL    SONGS.  343 

But  lo  !  a  hostile  flag-  in  sight ! 
Ye  valiant  tars  behold  the  light ! 
Ere  yonder  sun  shall  set  in  night, 
Fresh  wreaths  of  victory  shall  crown  each  warrior's 
brow. 

Yet  on  she  comes — the  proud  Guerriere  ! 
I  feel  her  warm  sulphureous  breath — 
And  Hull,  "  Not  yet,  but  lay  me  near" — 

Now  smiles  and  gives  the  sign  to  Death. 
Like  two  dread  clouds  of  awful  form, 
With  horror  dark,  with,  ruin  warm, 
They  meet,  they  mingle  in  the  storm : 
Old  Ocean  shrinks,  and  groans  through  all  his  caves 
beneath. 

What  shades,  anticipating  night, 

Have  snatch'd  the  conflict  from  mine  eye ; 
Save  where  yon  gleams  of  livid  light, 

Disclose  how  warriors  bleed  and  die  1 
And  hark  !  whose  shrieks  of  woe  are  these, 
That  wail  upon  the  passing  breeze'? 
And,  louder  than  the  rolling  seas, 
Whose  shouts  of  horrid  joy  now  break  against  the 
sky? 

All  still !  the  awful  cloud  retires, 

The  struggling  vessels  reappear ; 
Columbia's  banner  through  the  fires — 

And  Dacres'  warlike  band  is  there 
On  !  gallant  Hull,  inspire  thy  men  ; 
Drive  back  the  Lion  to  his  den  ; 
Drive  back,  and  he  is  conquer'd  then; 
Long  shall  that  banner  wave  the  Briton's  only  fear. 


344  NAVAL    SONG?. 

'Tis  done  !  Britannia's  ensign  falls, 
Proud  flag  so  long,  but  proud  no  more. 

"  Now  spare  the  foe  !"  the  victor  calls  : 
The  awful  thunders  cease  to  roar 

Pleased  witness  of  the  glorious  fray, 

See,  smiling,  sinks  the  orb  of  day, 

And  Night,  exulting  o'er  the  prey, 
Spreads  out  her  eagle  wings  wide  hovering  to  the 
shore. 

Now,  safe,  beneath  the  sparkling  stars, 

The  Constitution  seeks  the  bay, 
While  cheerful  bands  of  hardy  tars 

Exulting  sing  the  merry  lay. 
How  fair  upon  the  ocean  stream, 
The  victor  ship,  a  moving  dream  ! 
While  for  her  victims  death-fires  beam; 
Till  lost  in  those  pale   waves,  they  fade,  they  melt 

away. 

But  see  the  sun  !  Bostonia,  rise ! 

Mount  all  thy  swelling  hills  around  ! 
Let  cannon  thunder  to  the  skies  ! 

And  mountains  echo  back  the  sound  ! 
She  comes  serenely  o'er  the  tide, 
Her  snowy  wings  expanded  wide, 
The  conscious  ship,  in  all  her  pride; 
While  cheering  shouts  of  joy  triumphantly  resound. 

Yes!  welcome,  Hull,  with  all  thy  band  ! 

Thy  country's  boast,  and  darling,  thou! 
Columbia  reaches  forth  her  hand  : 

"  My  son,  my  son,  forever  now  !" 


NAVAL   SONGS.  345 

He  springs  the  sweet  embrace  to  meet, 
He  lays  his  laurels  at  her  feet, 
She  smiles  the  smile  when  angels  meet, 
Then  twines  the  living  wreath  around  her  warrior's 
brow. 

Fly  !  spread  the  board,  the  feast  prepare, 
To  make  the  hero's  welcome  known. 

Our  gallant  sons  and  blooming  fair 
Shall  feel  his  honours  as  their  own. 

Yet,  ah  !  mid  all  this  splendid  cheer, 

Why  falls  the  strange  forbidden  tear  1 

Alas  !  for  those  who  are  not  here 
To  share  these  festal  rites  but  half  enjoy 'd  alone. 

Peace  to  the  dead  !     Our  grateful  tears 
Shall  consecrate  each  silent  grave ; 

But  Hull — how  sweet  that  wreath  he  wears  ! 
Such  living  wreaths  become  the  brave. 

And  see  where  melting  in  his  arms, 

Lovelier  in  innocent  alarms, 

Yon  blushing  maid,  in  all  her  charms, 
Weaves  Hymen's  josy  chain  for  Love's   delighted 
slave. 

Brave  hero !  Long  before  the  gale, 

Serenely* may  thy  fortunes  glide! 
Yet,  0,  beware,  contract  thy  sail, 

And  shun  the  fatal  rock  of  pride. 
Remember,  gallant  Hull,  thy  tomb  ! 
Remember  Him,  the  Lord  of  Doom ! 
Whose  smile  can  bid  thy  laurels  bloom, 
Whose  frown  shall  scatter  yet  all  impious  wreaths 

aside. 


346  NAVAL    SONGS. 

174  PERRY'S  VICTORY. 

BY    JOHN    NEAL. 

Columbia,  appear  !     To  thy  mountains  ascend, 
And   pour  thy  bold  hymn   to  the  winds  and    the 
woods : 
Columbia,  appear  ! — O'er  thy  tempest  harp  bend, 
And  far,  to  the  nations,  its  trumpet-song  send  : 

Let  thy  cliff-echoes  wake,  with  their  sun-nourish'd 

broods, 
And  chant  to  the  desert,  the  skies,  and  the  floods; 
And  bid  them  remember 
The  tenth  of  September, 
When  our  eagle  came  down  from  her  home  in  the  sky, 
And  the  souls  of  our  ancients  were  marshall'don  high. 

Columbia,  appear  !  let  thy  warriors  behold, 

Their  flag,  like  a  firmament  bend  o'er  thy  head — 
The  wide,  rainbow  flag,  with  its  star-cluster'd  fold  ! 
Let  the  knell  of  dark  battle  beneath  it  be  toll'd  ; 
While  the  anthem  of  peace  shall  be  peal'd  for  the 
dead, 
And  the  rude  waters   heave,  on  whose  bosom  they 
bled: 

O,  they  will  remember 
The  tenth  of  September, 
When  their  souls  were  let  loose  in  a  tempest  of  flame, 
And  wide  Erie  shook  at  the  trumpet  of  Fame! 

Columbia,  appear  !  Let  thy  cloud-minstrels  wake, 

As  they  march  on  the  storm,  all  the  grandeur  of  song, 
Till  the  far  mountains  nod.  ami  the  motionless  lake 
Shall  be  mantled  in  froth,  and  its  monarch  shall  quake 


NAVAL    SONGS.  347 

On  his  green  oozy  throne,  as  their  harping  comes 

strong, 
With  the  chime  of  the  winds  that  are  bursting 
along ; 

For  he  will  remember 
The  tenth  of  September, 
When  he  saw  his  dominions  all  cover'd  with  foam  ; 
And  heard  the  loud  war  in  his  echoless  home. 

Columbia,  appear  !  be  thine  olive  display'd  ! 

O,  cheer,  with  thy  smile,  all  the  land  and  the  tide ! 
Be  the  anthem  we  hear,  not  the  song  that  was  made, 
When  the  victims  of  slaughter  stood  forth  all  array'd 
In  blood-dripping  garments,  and  shouted,  and  died  : 
But  let  us  remember 
The  tenth  of  September, 
When  the  dark  waves  of  Erie  were  brighten'd  to  day, 
And  the  flames  of  the  battle  were  quench'd  in  their 
spray. 


175     ON  CROSSING  LAKE  CHAMPLAIN  IN 
THE  STEAMBOAT  PHCENIX. 

BY    LUCRETIA    M.    DAVIDSON. 

(Written  in  her  fourteenth  year.) 

Islet*  on  the  lake's  calm  bosom 

In  thy  breast  rich  treasures  lie ; 
Heroes  !  there  your  bones  shall  moulder, 

But  your  fame  shall  never  die. 

*  Crab  Island  ;  on  which  were  buried  the  remains  of  the 
sailors  who  fell  in  the  action  of  September  11th,  1814. 


348  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Islet  on  the  lake's  calm  bosom, 

Sleep  serenely  in  thy  bed  ; 
Brightest  gem  our  waves  can  boast, 

Guardian  angel  of  the  dead  ! 

Calm  upon  the  waves  recline, 
Till  great  Nature's  reign  is  o'er; 

Until  old  and  swift-wing'd  Time 
Sinks,  and  order  is  no  more. 

Then  thy  guardianship  shall  cease, 
Then  shall  rock  thy  aged  bed  ; 

And  when  Heaven's  last  trump  shall  sound, 
Thou  shalt  yield  thy  noble  dead  ! 


176     ON  THE  DEATH  OF  COMMODORE 
BAINBRIDGE. 

BY    H.    S.    GIBSON. 

The  drums  were  muffled  and  reversed  the  arms, 

And,  lower'd  on  its  staff  the  banner  sheet 
Was  bound  with  mourning's  badge — war's  loud  alarms 

Were  hush'd,  and  lightly  trod  the  soldiers'  feet 
The  listless  earth,  who  follow'd  to  the  grave 

Our  country's  champion — the  navy's  pride  : 
Thus  fall  the  gallant,  and  thus  sink  the  brave 

In  glory's  lap  at  last,  like  him  who  died. 

Still  roar  the  surges  of  the  mighty  sea, 
And  still  the  tempest  rages  on  the  deep  ; 

But  ocean's  voice  can  ne'er  awaken  thee, 
Nor  call  thee  back  to  life  for  whom  we  weep. 


NAVAL   SONGS. 

Son  of  the  sea,  and  hero  of  the  waves, 

Where  dwells  thy  spirit  since  it  left  the  world  1 

With  Freedom  !  Freedom  !  not  among  the  graves, 
But  where  salvation's  banners  are  unfurl'd. 

The  power  receives  it  back  that  gave  it  birth, 

That  Liberty  might  feel  its  influence  here; 
Here,  where  the  dauntless  heroes  of  the  earth 

Brave  death  and  danJir  in  its  stormy  sphere  ; 
Who  live  for  all  mankind  as  champions  live, 

That  meet  in  peril's  hour  thy  country's  foes; 
And  die  as  thou  hast  died — and  fame  doth  give 

A  nation's  tears  to  hallow  thy  repose. 

Sleep,  thou  whose  battle-field  was  ocean's  breast, 

WThose  vast  dominions  stretch  from  pole  to  pole ; 
Immortal  honour  hovers  round  thy  rest — 

Sleep  !  till  the  ocean  can  no  longer  roll 
Its  waves  from  shore  to  shore  ; 

And  slumber  till  thy  spirit  shall  arise, 
Where  blissful  peace  remains  forevermore, 

And  war's  loud  thunders  cannot  shake  the  skies. 
Thy  sword  sought  not  its  sheath  till  we  were  free, 
Till  thou  thy  country's  tears  proved  worthy  thee. 


177  OLD  IRONSIDES. 

Tune — "A  wet  sheet  and  a  flowing  sea." 

Come,  Yankee  lads,  your  flag  unfold 
And  while  the  breeze  she  rides, 

Huzza  for  Captain  Stewart  bold, 
And  his  tough  Old  Ironsides. 
30 


350  NAVAL  SONGS. 

The  tough  Old  Ironsides,  my  boys, 
He  steer'd  o'er  the  stormy  wave, 
And  gave  unto  the  haughty  foe 
A  drubbing  or  a  grave. 

Come,  Yankee  tars,  your  flag  unfold, 

And  while  the  breeze  she  rides, 
Huzza  for  Captain  Stewart  bold, 
And  his  tough  01^  Ironsides. 

From  north  to  south  he  roved  the  sea, 

To  lay  oppression  low, 
And  gave  the  sons  of  Tripoli 

A  freeman's  vengeful  blow. 
And  now  on  board  the  ship  of  state 

His  gallant  form  we  see, 
Should  she  a  new  commander  need, 

There's  none  more  fit  than  he. 
Then,  Yankee  lads,  &c. 


178  INCITATION. 

From  "The  Balance,"  published  at  New  York,  1806. 

Rise,  Queen  of  the  West !  let  the  standard  of  war, 

To  the  foes  of  thy  flag,  be  the  signal  of  fate : 
Unpinion  the  arms  of  your  suffering  tar — 
Bid  him  tell  the  whole  world  that  you  dare  to  be 
great. 

Thy  voice,  on  the  main, 
Never  yet  spoke  in  vain  ;     • 
And  let  pirates  beware  when  it  thunders  again. 
Then  arouse  !  though  no  valour  thy  commerce  could 

save; 
Yet  sweet  are  the  numbers  which  flow  for  the  brave. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  351 

Thine  eagle,  who  late  bold  and  proud  of  his  name 
Sought  each  realm  where  the  hoarse  din  of  commerce 
was  heard, 
Now  droops  his  strong  pinions,  all  cover'd  with  shame ; 
Insulted  where  once  his  bold  flight  was  revered. 
Where'er  he  is  found, 
While  his  talons  are  bound, 
He's  defied,  though   it    be   on   his   own  native 
ground. 
Then  to  arms  !  naught  but  valour  his  glory  can  save; 
And  sweet  are  the  numbers  which  flow  for  the  brave. 

See  you  not  from  afar — from  Escurial's  towers, 

How  jealousy  frowns  on  the  jewel  you  bought? 
Slumber  not  until  Peace,  renovating  her  powers, 
Effaces  the  lessons  which  Britons  have  taught. 
Columbians,  arise ! 
Ere  she  filches  your  prize  : 
Ere  the  swift-footed  moment  of  victory  flies. 
'Tis  vigour  alone,  which  your  honour  can  save  ; 
And  wake  the   sweet  numbers   which  .flow  for  the 
brave. 

Let  the  tempest  have  way  :  to  the  main  let  it  sweep, 

And  convey  to  each  dastardly  robber  his  doom. 
Let  the  vengeance  of  freemen  burst  o'er  the  blue  deep, 
And  prepare  for  each  foe  to  our  commerce  a  tomb. 
Let  commotions  increase, 
And  let  war  never  cease, 
Till  thy  sword  from  all  nations  has  purchased  a 
peace. 
Sons  of  glory,  then  arm  !  'tis  your  country  to  save, 
And  deserve  the  sweet  numbers  which  flow  for  the 
brave. 


352  NAVAL    SONGS. 


179  THE  AMERICAN  CAPTIVE. 

AN    BLEST. 

The  following  elegy  is  extracted  from  a  volume  of  poetry 
by  "A  Young  Gentleman  of  New  York,"  printed  by 
Thomas  Greenleaf,  in  1795. 

In  July,  1785,  the  Algerines  made  prizes  of  two  Ameri- 
can vessels  on  the  Atlantic,  the  survivors  of  whose  crews 
remained  in  captivity  until  the  5th  of  September.  17(A'>. 
having  been  liberated  by  the  operation  of  the  treaty  of 
peace  between  the  dey  and  the  United  Slates,  after  a  cap- 
tivity of  more  than  ten  years.  In  the  beginning  of  Octo- 
ber, 1793,  several  Algerine  corsairs  captured  a  number  of 
American  ships  in  the  western  ocean,  the  crews  of  which 
amounted  to  about  one  hundred  and  twenty  persons.  These 
were  also  set  at  liberty  by  the  treaty  of  1795.  <  >n  the  return 
of  these  unfortunate  persons  to  their  country,  they  every- 
where excited  the  sympathy  of  their  fellow-citizens.  Many 
of  them  had  been  mutilated  by  their  captors.  The  treaty 
cost  the  United  States  nearly  a  million  of  dollars,  in  a  fri- 
gate built  tor  the  purpose,  in  military  stores  and  in  money. 
A  circumstance  in  no  respect  creditable  to  the  nation  ;  and 
only  to  be  excused  by  the  fact  of  our  being  without  a  naval 
force  to  protect  our  commerce,  and  by  the  submission  of  all 
the  European  powers,  so  much  stronger  than  we,  to  the 
like  degradation  of  paying  tribute  !  It  is,  however,  to  the 
glory  of  our  country,  that  we  were  the  first  nation  who 
effectually  shook  off  the  yoke. 

In  June,  1816,  Commodore  Decatur,  having  first  captured 
or  destroyed  the  naval  force  of  Algiers,  compelled  the  dey 
to  sign  a  treaty  in  which  he  forever  relinquished  all  claims 
to  tribute. 

With  slow  and  solemn  sound  the  tower  clock  tolls  ; 

Its  mournful  cadence  strikes  qppjD  my  ears, 
Tells  in  sad  murmurs  how  time  onward  rolls, 

And  adds  its  moments  to  riiy  sorrowing  years. 
To  grief  and  melancholy  thoughts  resign'd, 

Almerius  courts  dread  midnight's  horrid  gloom, 
He  hails  its  shades  congenial  to  his  mind, 

And  mourns  neglected  his  unhappy  doom. 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

Far  from  the  soothing  accents  of  a  friend, 
Where  Pity  not  one  tear  for  misery  sheds, 

Where  not  Humanity  a  smile  will  lend, 

But  Grief  unfolding  her  dark  mantle  spreads; 

Far  from  the  voice  of  Julia,  and  of  love, 
For  me  soft  sympathy  has  ceased  to  flow  ; 

No  more  those  lips  shall  winning  accents  move, 
And  with  their  sweetness  soothe  the  pang  of  wo. 

How  solemn  and  how  grand  the  midnight  scene  ! 

The  moon's  now  hid  beneath  a  lowering  cloud : 
Now  glimmering  from  on  high  she  shines  serene, 

And,  brighten'd,  breaks  forth  from  the   blacken'd 
shroud. 

She  casts  her  beams  o'er  Nature's  silent  plains, 
And  in  this  tower  emits  a  trembling  ray, 

Which  lights  the  dungeon  where  a  wretch  remains, 
To  drear  confinement  an  unhappy  prey. 

Now  through  the  grates  soft  moves  a  gentle  breeze, 
Whose  fragrant  coolness  fans  my  panting  breast ; 

Abroad  I  hear  the  rustling  of  the  trees, 

And  the  shrill  screaming  of  the  midnight  guest. 

I  hear  the  lonely  songster  of  the  grove 

In  warbling  accents  pour  its  pensive  song — 

The  song  of  sorrow  and  the  song  of  love — 
Which  floating  zephyrs  gently  waft  aiong. 

Far  distant  hence,  I  hear  the  water's  sound, 
Which  foaming  tumbles  from  the  rocky  hills  ; 

Rising  it  throws  its  plaintive  murmur  round, 
And  all  the  air  with  fairy  music  fills. 
30* 


354  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Through  night's  sad  gloom  the  watchful  mastiffs  cries 
With  grating  discord  drown  the  soothing  strains, 

When,  listening  every  noise,  he  distant  spies 
Some  awful  phantom  stalking  o'er  the  plains. 

What  horrors  hover  in  these  chilly  walls  ! 

A  dismal  dread  now  damps  my  grief-worn  heart; 
Methinks  some  ghost  with  hollow  screaming  calls, 

And  groans  and  sighs  the  neighbouring  cells  impart. 

Ah  !  now  a  ghastly,  frightful  form  appears, 
And  seems  to  whisper  through  the  iron  grates  ; 

Slow  o'er  its  haggard  face  roll  fearful  tears, 
And  wild  despair  its  fiery  eye  dilates. 

The  grisly  hairs  stand  stiff  upon  its  head, 
Within  its  hand  a  bloody  knife  it  holds 

Around  its  limbs  a  filthy  garb  is  spread, 

Which,  stain'd  with  gore,  before  the  gale  unfolds. 

Now  with  the  shadows  of  the  night  'tis  fled, 

And  left  a  prisoner  terrified  with  fear  ; 
Ah  !  'twas  the  spectre  of  some  murder'd  dead, 

A  sufferer,  a  Columbian — names  so  dear. 

Hail  to  Columbia's  happy  cultured  fields! 

Hail  to  her  waving  and  her  cooling  shade! 
There  her  blest  sons  enjoy  what  nature  yields, 

And  Freedom's  charms  the  extended  realm  pervade. 

There  the  glad  songs  of  peace  and  joy  prevail, 
No  tyrant's  hand  inflicts  inhuman  woes ; 

Tranquil  the  swain  roves  through  the  shady  vale. 
And  courts,  fatigued,  tin1  slumbers  of  repose. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  355 

Once  I,  Columbia,  dwelt  upon  thy  shore, 
And  the  glad  strains  of  joy  and  freedom  join'd, 

To  the  rough  dangers  of  the  ocean  wore, 

And  steer'd  the  stately  ship  with  breast  resign'd. 

There  my  fond  father  and  my  mother  live, 

And  sorrowing  mourn  their  son's  unhappy  lot: 

Thousands  for  ransom  cheerfully  they'd  give, 
But  poverty  surrounds  their  weeping  cot. 

'Twas  I  supported  their  declining  years, 
Relieved  their  breasts  of  poverty  and  care; 

That  from  their  cheeks  dispell'd  affliction's  tears, 
And  raised  their  hopes  to  pleasure  from  despair. 

There  lovely  Julia  sorrowful  remains, 

Fair  as  the  beauty  of  the  dawning  morn  : 
Weeping  the  rambles  o'er  congenial  plains, 

While  the  soft  graces  all  her  steps  adorn. 
• 
Can  I  forget  the  tender  last  embrace, 

Those  words  which  zephyrs  on  their  fragrance  bore ; 
The  expressive  sorrow  of  that  charming  face, 

When  last  we  parted  to  embrace  no  more  % 

We  haul'd  the  anchor  from  its  dark  abode, 

Before  the  winds  we  spread  the  swelling  sails ; 

We  on  the  billows  of  the  ocean  rode, 

And  swiftly  moved  before  propitious  gales. 

An  Algerine  corsair  to  our  sight  appear'd ; 

Ploughing  the  waves,  the  sons  of  prey  drew  nigh  ; 
Upon  the  mast  the  bloody  flag  was  rear'd, 

And  death  terrific  glimmer  d  in  each  eye. 


336  NAVAL    SONGS. 


Howling,  approach'd  the  hell-hounds  of  Algiers, 
The  dreadful  falchion  glitter'd  in  each  hand  ; 

The  horrid  prow  its  iron  grapple  rears, 

The  thundering  captain  issues  his  command. 

The  vigour  of  a  freeman's  arm  was  vain, 

In  vain  man's  sacred  rights  and  country  plead  ; 

Around  our  limhs  they  fold  the  galling  chain — 
See,  0  my  country  !  your  brave  freemen  bleed  ! 

Towards  Algiers  they  bend  their  watery  way, 
Whose  warlike  turrets,  beaming  from  on  high, 

Strike  in  the  gloomy  soul  a  sickening  ray, 
And  call  a  tear  upon  the  sorrowing  eye. 

Ceased  is  the  pleasure  of  a  once  gay  breast, 
Far  fly  my  dungeon  comfort  and  repose  ; 

By  labour  and  by  torturing  fiends  oppress'd, 
I  find  no  ease  but  what  frail  hope  bestows. 

Ah  !  cruel  country  !  can  my  groans  and  pains 
Make  no  impression  on  thy  callous  heart] 

Does  not  the  glow  of  sympathy  remain  ? 
Does  not  humanity  its  sigh  impart? 

Art  thou  the  land  where  Freedom  rears  her  throne, 
Where  conquering  Washington,  where  Warren  bled, 

Where  patriot  virtue  and  where  valour  shone, 
And  where  oppression  bow'd  her  guilt-stain'd  head. 

Adieu,  Columbia,  to  thy  fertile  shore  ! 

Adieu,  those  joys  which  give  to  life  its  charm, 
Within  these  walls  Almerius  must  deplore 

The  sleeping  vigour  of  his  country's  arm. 


NAVAL    SONGS,  357 

180  THE  OCEAN  HERO. 

Tune — The  Star-spangled  Banner. 
Wake,  sons  of  Columbia!  wake  gratitude's  lay, 

And  sing  of  great  Stewart,  our  bold  ocean  hero, 
Who  led  forth  our  tars  to  break  tyranny's  sway, 
And  drove  from  our  coast  every  plundering  Nero. 
In  youth's  early  hour 
The  seas  he  did  scour, 
And  fought  with  Decatur  'gainst  Tripoli's  power; 
He  taught  them   that  freemen  their  life-blood  will 

drain, 
Their  trade  to  protect  and  their  rights  to  maintain. 
When  the  barks  of  proud  Britain  came  over  the  main, 
To  plunder  our  ships  and  impress  our  bold  seamen, 
'Twas  he  roused  our  navy  and  steer'd  forth  again, 
And  dealt  to  our  foemen  the  vengeance  of  freemen. 
O,  he  humbled  their  pride 
By  his  tough  "  Ironsides," 
And  he  lower'd  Levant  and  Cyane*  with  the  tide. 
Then  long  life  to  Stewart,  and  long  may  he  stand, 
The  pride  of  our  navy,  the  chief  of  our  land. 


181     THE  NOBLE  CHARLES  STEWART. 

Tune. — Kate  Kearney. 

You've  heard  of  bold  Commodore  Stewart, 
The  seamen,  the  statesmen,  the  true  heart; 
In  the  war,  from  his  arm,  our  foes  fled  in  alarm, 
For  strong  was  the  blow  of  brave  Stewart. 

*  Two  British  ships  taken  in  a  single  action  by  Com- 
modore Stewart,  in  the  Constitution. 


358  NAVAL    SONGS. 


In  peace  the  states'  cares  ever  bind  him, 
In  war  like  a  lion  we  find  him, 
And  the  foeman  can  tell  of  the  patriot  spell 
That  warms  the  true  soul  of  brave  Stewart. 

O,  oft  may  you  meet  with  noble  Stewart, 

The  tar  with  the  free  and  the  true  heart, 

A  bright  welcome  smile,  and  a  soul  free  from  guile, 

You'll  find  in  the  hero  Charles  Stewart. 

A  commander  both  generous  and  brave  too, 

Who  risk'd  his  life  others  to  save,  too, 

And  thousands  that  roam,  by  his  neat  Jersey  home, 

Bless  the  kind  heart  of  gallant  Charles  Stewart. 


182  THE  PRIDE  OF  NEPTUNE. 

BY    CHARLES    MEAD. 

When  our  seafaring  subjects,  abused  and  impress'd, 
By  Britain  whose  ships  held  a  merciless  reign, 

The  Genius  of  Liberty  rose  from  the  west, 

And  sent  forth  her  murmurs  o'er  Neptune's  domain. 

The  ocean's  old  ruler,  with  absolute  sway. 
Ascended  with  pride  in  his  wave-heaten  car, 

From  his  throne  in  the  deep  to  the  regions  of  day, 
And  said  that  our  only  redress  was  in  war. 

Columbia  then  thought  of  entreaties  no  more, 
But  called  on  her  children  to  fight  and  be  free; 

Her  language  of  vengeance  the  hurricanes  bore, 
And  battles  commenced  on  the  land  and  the  sea. 


NAVAL   SONGS.  359 

Through  heaven's  clear  azure  the  lightnings  were 
hurl'd, 

And  thunders  resounded  o'er  ocean's  wild  waves ; 
Till  the  echoes  were  lost  in  the  noise  of  the  world, 

And  thousands  sunk  down  in  their  crystalline  graves. 

As  Neptune  beheld  the  young  Hercules  rise, 
Thus  breathing  destruction  with  desperate  ire, 

On  his  trident  our  banners  he  bore  through  the  skies, 
The  Britons  were  rent  by  the  tempests  of  fire. 

In  peace  we  now  sing  to  the  praises  of  those 
Who  honours  received  from  the  god  of  the  sea; 

Who  valiantly  humbled  the  pride  of  their  foes, 

With  thunders  proclaiming  "they'd  die  or  be  free." 

That  commerce  and  freedom  may  travel  the  deep, 
That  our  means  of  resistance  may  ever  increase, 

In  a  firm  and  defensive  position  we'll  keep ; 
Our  prowess  for  war  be  our  guardian  of  peace. 


183  CHARLEY  STEWART. 

Tune.— Harry  Bluff. 

Charley  Stewart  when  a  youth  left  his  land  and 

his  home, 
In  search  of  the  foe  on  the  ocean  to  roam  ; 
Like  a  patriot  his  heart  beat  to  liberty  true, 
And  a  foe  to  all  tyrants  the  older  he  grew. 
His  heart  it  was  bold  and  with  valour  'twas  warm, 
In  his  country's  cause  he  the  first  was  to  arm  ; 
To  the  wreck'd  and  distress'd  oft  his  arm  gave  relief; 
And  though  rated  a  middy  he'd  the  skill  of  a  chief, 
And  the  courage  of  a  true  Yankee  seaman. 


360  NAVAL    SONG.*. 

When  commander,  promoted,  the  foe  he'd  pursue, 
On  Old  Ironsides  long  his  striped  banner  flew  ; 
80  true  to  his  flag,  and  in  battle  so  brave, 
That  he  oft  gave  the  proud  foe  a  watery  grave. 
For  his  country  he  fought,  till  with  peace  she  was 

crown'd, 
And  now  upon  shore  at  the  pen  he  is  found  ; 
Of  the  great  ship  of  state  may  he  next  take  command, 
And  her  great  Constitution  safely  steer  on  the  land, 
With  the  mind  of  a  true  Yankee  statesman. 


184    COLUMBIA  ON  THE  OCEAN. 

BV    HENRY    C.    LEWIS. 

Ye  freemen  of  Columbia  !  be  mindful  of  your  fame; 
Let  no   rude   foe,  presumptuous,  insult  your   rising 

name ; 
And  on  the  roaring  ocean,  with  glory  and  applause, 
Protect  your  flag  and  commerce,  your  country  and 

your  laws  ; 

Ye  freemen  of  Columbia,  kc. 

The  heroes  of  Columbia,  when  warring  on  the  main, 
Are  like  our  lofty  mountains  which  storms   assail  in 

vain. 
With  lion-force  impetuous  they  rush  upon  their  foes, 
Like  Niagara's  torrent,  which  nothing  can  oppose. 
Then  freemen  of  Columbia,  &c. 

Their  foes  upon  the  ocean  are  sought  with  equal  force, 
They  stop  the  conquering  Briton,  so  haughty  in  his 
course; 


NAVAL    SONGS.  361 

Ferocious  as  the  tiger  they  deal  the  vengeful  blow, 
And  sink  the  bold  intruder  beneath  the  billows  low. 

Then  freemen  of  Columbia,  &c. 
Such  is  their  wondrous  valour,  when  side  by  side  the 

foe; 
Who  dares  their  flag  dishonour,  or  aim  a  wrathful 

blow, 
That  like  our  native  eagles  embattling  for  their  brood, 
Before  they  yield  the  contest,  they'll  shed  each  drop 

of  blood  ! 

Then  freemen  of  Columbia,  &c. 

When  hot  the  battle  rages,  amid  the  strife  of  steel, 

The  fury  of  the  bison,  they  imitate  with  zeal  ; 

But  when  the  conflict's  over,  they  dress  the  wounds 
they  made, 

And  foes  so  bravely  conquer' d  receive  their  quickest 
aid. 

Then  freemen  of  Columbia,  &c. 

With  wonder,  every  nation  beholds  our  glory  flame, 

And  every  noble  hero  obtains  a  deathless  name  ; 

With  more  than  common  wonder  they  see  the  laurels 
torn 

From  Britain's  boasted  navy,  and  placed  upon  our 
own! 

Then  freemen  of  Columbia,  &c. 

Then  long  as  splendid  Erie  shall  roll  its  waves  sub- 
lime, 

Our  flag  shall  be  respected  in  every  distant  clime  ; 

And  numerous  as  our  forests  shall  laurels  grace  our 
fair, 

And  verdant  as  our  flowers,  forever  blossom  there. 

Then  long  as  splendid  Erie  shall  roll,  &c. 
31 


362  NAVAL    SONGS. 


185  THE  DEATH  OF  DECATUR. 

In  the  war  with  Tripoli  in  1S04,  the  most  of  the  gallant 
defenders  of  their  country  in  the  war  which  succeeded  with 
England  in    1812,  can  date   the   commencement  of  their 
career.      The   attack   made  on   the   town,  batteries,   and 
naval  force  of  the  Bashaw  of  Tripoli,  on  the  3d  of  A 
1804,  stands  pre-eminent  in  our  naval  warfare  for  deeds  of 
daring.     Lieutenant  James  Decatur  of  the  Nautilus  com- 
manded No.  2,  of   the   first   division    of  gun-boats.     His 
brother,  Lieutenant-commandant  Stephen  Decatur,  of  the 
Enterprise,  commanded  gun-boat  No.  4.  of  the  second  divi- 
sion.   This  second  division  performed  prodigies  of  ga. 
which  were  nobly  emulated  by  the  first  division  under  Lieu- 
tenant James  Decatur.     This  young  officer  dashed  into  the 
smoke,  and  was  on  the  point  of  boarding,  when  he  n 
a  musket  ball  in  his  forehead.     The  boats  stnu  . 
and  rebounded,  and  in  the  contusion  of  the  death  of  the 
commanding  officer,  the  enemy  made  his  escape,  under  a 
heavy  fire  from  the  Americans.     It  was  said,  and  fully  be- 
lieved, at  the  time,  that  the  enemy  had  struck  his  colours 
before  Decatur  fell ;     though   Mr.  Cooper,  author  of  the 
'•  Naval  History,"    thinks   that   the  fact  must   remain  in 
doubt.     Mr.  Cooper  states,  that  the  effect  of  this  attack  and 
defeat  of  the  enemy  was  of  the   most  salutary  kind ;  the 
manner  in  which  their  gun-boats  had  been  taken  by  board- 
ing, having  made  a  lasting  and  deep  impression.     Tl 
periority  of  the   Christians  in  gunnery  had  been  generally 
admitted,  but  here  was  an  instance,  in  which   the  1 
were   overcome,   by  inferior   numbers,  hand   to   hand ;   a 
species  of  conflict  in  which  they  had  been  thought  particu- 
larly to  excel.     Perhaps  no  instance  of  more  desperati 
ing  of  the  sort,  without  defensive  armour,  is  to  be  found  in 
the  pages  of  history.     Three  gun-boats  wore  sunk  in   the 
harbour,  in  addition  to  the  three  tha  :i:  and  the 

loss  of  the  Tripolitans  by  shot  must  have  been  very  I 
About  fifty  shells  were  thrown  into  the  town,  and  the  ba:- 
teries  were  a  good  deal  damaged. 

*T\vas  near  that  barbarous  coast,  whence  every  passing 
gale 
Wafts  sighs  and  groans  of  slavery  on  its  wing, 


NAVAL    SONGS.  363 

Where  the  sea  whitens  with  the  swelling  sail, 
And  its  rude  shores  with  hostile  thunders  ring-, 
There  gallant  Preble  bore,  with  naval  pride, 
The  Western  Eagle, 
The  Western  Eagle; 
There,  Decatur,  died. 

The  towers  of  the  foe  that  o'erhang  the  dark  main, 
No  longer,  no  longer,  the  force  of  the  battle  sustain, 
They  fall  with  loud  crash, 
The  dead  strew  the  ground, 
And  the  gallant  Decatur  receives  his  death  wound. 
Though  his  comrades  his  fate  unaffected  deplore, 
To  his  country's  renown  he  gave  one  laurel  more, 
To  his  country's  renown  he  gave  one  laurel  more. 

To  his  valour  the  bark  strikes  her  flag  in  disgrace, 
And  though  short  yet  how  glorious  the  young  hero's 

race ! 
Unhurt  by  the  thunder  that  rolls  from  the  walls, 
Unsubdued  in  the  battle,  by  treachery  he  falls, 
Though  his  comrades  his  fate,  &c 

Unfurl  the  striped  standard  with  victory  crown'd, 

For  ages  to  come, 

For  ages  to  come, 

For  ages  to  come 

Be  the  hero  renown'd, 
While  thus  spoke  the  youth,  "  Contented  I  die, 
The  bosom  of  Victory  receives  my  last  sigh, 
The  bosom  of  Victory  receives  my  last  sigh, 

Contented  I  die." 


364  NAVAL   B0NG8. 


186     PERRY'S  VICTORY;  OR,  THE  BATTLE 
OF  LAKE  ERIE. 

Tune. — Admiral  Benboic. 

We  sail'd  to  and  fro  on  Erie's  broad  lake, 
To  find  British  bullies  or  get  in  their  wake, 
When  we  hoisted  our  canvass  with  true  Yankee  speed, 
And  the  brave  Captain  Perry  our  squadron  did  lead. 

We  sail'd  through  the  lake,  boys,  in  search  of  the  foe, 
In  the  cause  of  Columbia  our  bravery  to  show, 
To  be  equal  in  combat  was  all  our  delight, 
As  we  wish'd  the  proud  Britons  to  know  we  could 
fight. 

But  whether,  like  Yeo,  boys,  they'd  taken  affirigbt 
We  could  see  not,  nor  find  them  by  day  or  by  night, 
So  a-cruising  we  went  in  a  glorious  cause, 
In  defence  of  our  rights,  our  freedom,  and  laws. 

At  length,  to  our  liking,  six  sails  hove  in  view, 
"Huzza!"   says  brave  Perry!    "Huzza!"  says  his 

crew, 
And  then  for  the  chase,  boys,  with  our  brave  little 

crew ; 
We  fell  in  with  the  bullies  and  gave  them  burgeau. 

Though  the  force  was  unequal,  determined  to  fight, 
We  brought  them  to  action  before  it  was  night; 
We  let  loose  our  thunder,  our  bullets  did  fly, 
"  Give  them  your  shot,  boys,"  our  commander  did  cry. 

We  gave  them  a  broadside  our  cannon  to  try, 
"Well  done,"  says  brave  Perry,  "  for  quarters  they'll 
cry, 


NAVAL   SONGS.  365 

Shot  well  home,  my  brave  boys,  they   shortly  shall 

see, 
That  brave  as  they  are  still  braver  are  we." 

Then  we  drew  up   our  squadron  each  man  full  of 

fight, 
And  put  the  proud  Britons  in  a  terrible  plight, 
The  brave  Perry's  movements  will  prove  fall  as  bold 
As  the  famed  Admiral  Nelson's  prowess  of  old. 

The  conflict  was  sharp,  boys,  each  man  to  his  gun, 
For  our  country,  her  glory,  the  victory  was  won, 
So  six  sail  (the  whole  fleet)  'twas  our  fortune  to  take, 
Here's  a  health  to  brave  Perry  who  governs  the  lake. 


187  THE  PILLAR  OF  GLORY. 

BY    EDWIN   C.    HOLLAND. 

Hail  to  the  heroes  whose  triumphs  have  brighten'd 

The  darkness  which  shrouded  America's  name; 
Long  shall  their  valour  in  battle  that  lighten'd, 
Live  in  the  brilliant  escutcheons  of  fame  : 

Dark  where  the  torrents  flow, 

And  the  rude  tempests  blow, 
The  stormy  clad  spirit  of  Albion  raves  ; 

Long  shall  she  mourn  the  day, 

When  in  the  vengeful  fray, 
Liberty  walked  like  a  god  on  the  waves. 

The  ocean,  ye  chiefs,  (the  region  of  glory, 

Where  fortune  has  destined  Columbia  to  reign,) 

Gleams  with  the  halo  and  lustre  of  story, 
That  curl  round  the  wave  as  the  scene  of  her  fame 
31* 


366  NAVAL    SONGS. 


There,  on  its  raging  tide, 

Shall  her  proud  navy  ride, 
The  bulwark  of  Freedom,  protected  by  Heaven; 

There  shall  her  haughty  foe 

Bow  to  her  prowess  low, 
There  shall  renown  to  her  heroes  be  given. 

The  pillar  of  glory,  the  sea  that  enlightens, 
Shall  last  till  eternity  rocks  on  its  base  ; 
The  splendour  of  Fame,  its  waters  that  brightens, 
Shall  light  the  footsteps  of  Time  in  his  race  : 

Wide  o'er  the  stormy  deep, 

Where  the  rude  surges  sweep, 
Its  lustre  shall  circle  the  brows  of  the  brave  ; 

Honour  shall  give  it  light, 

Triumph  shall  keep  it  bright, 
Long  as  in  battle  we  meet  on  the  wave. 

Already  the  storm  of  contention  has  hurl"d, 

From   the   grasp  of  Old  England,  the   trident  of 
war; 
The  beams  of  our  stars  have  illumined  the  world, 
Unfurl'd  our  standard  beats  proud  in  the  air: 
Wild  glares  the  eagle's  eye, 
Swift  as  he  cuts  the  sky. 
Marking  the  wake  where  our  heroes  advance  ; 
Compass'd  with  rays  of  light, 
Hovers  he  o'er  the  fight ; 
Albion  is  heartless,  and  stoops  to  his  glance. 


NAVAL    SONGS,  367 

From  the  Plymouth  Memorial.— 1835. 
188     CAPTURE  OF  GENERAL  PRESCOTT. 

Almost  every  one  is  acquainted  with  the  circumstances 
of  the  taking  of  General  Prescott,  then  commanding  officer 
of  the  British  forces  on  Rhode  Island,  by  Captain  Barton 
of  Providence.  He  was  exchanged  for  General  Lee,  who 
had  been  previously  captured  by  the  British. 

Shortly  after  his  exchange  he  returned  to  Rhode  Island, 
and  was  invited  to  dine  on  board  the  admiral's  ship,  with 
many  other  officers  of  the  highest  grade.  General  Pres- 
cott was  naturally  a  haughty,  imperious  man,  and  as  a  com- 
mander was  very  unpopular  with  his  officers  and  soldiers, 
and  with  the  citizens  of  Newport,  but  a  brave  and  skilful 
officer. 

It  was  often  that  boys  as  well  as  men  were  sent  from 
the  town  on  board  the  admiral's  ship  for  any  offence,  and 
confined  there  for  some  time,  by  the  arbitrary  authority  of 
those  in  power.  Martial  law  was  the  law  of  the  place.  A 
small  lad,  about  thirteen  years  of  age,  was  placed  in  this 
situation  previous  to  General  Prescott's  return,  and  was  on 
board,  with  many  others,  at  the  time  the  general  dined  there. 
He  did  not  know  General  Prescott. 

After  dinner  the  wine  circulated  freely,  and  a  toast 
and  song  were  repeatedly  called  for.  In  the  course  of  the 
evening  the  first  lieutenant  observed  to  the  admiral,  who  was 
a  real  jolly  son  of  Neptune,  that  "  there  was  a  Yankee  lad 
on  board  who  would  shame  all  the  singing."  "  Bring  him 
up  here,"  says  Prescott.  The  boy  was  accordingly  brought 
into  the  cabin.  The  admiral  called  on  him  to  give  them  a 
song.  The  little  fellow,  being  somewhat  intimidated  by 
gold-laced  coats,  epaulettes,  &c,  replied,  "  I  can't  sing  any 
songs  but  Yankee  songs."  The  admiral,  perceiving  that  he 
was  embarrassed,  ordered  the  steward  to  give  him  a  glass 
of  wine,  saying,  "Come  my  little  fellow,  don't  be  frighten- 
ed ;  give  us  one  of  your  Yankee  songs."  General  Prescott 
spoke  in  his  usual  haughty,  imperious  manner,  "  You  d— d 
young  rebel,  give  us  a  song  or  I'll  give  you  a  dozen."  The 
admiral  interfered,  and  assured  the  lad  that  he  should  be  set 
at  liberty  the  next  day,  "  if  he  would  give  them  a  song — any 
one  he  could  recollect." 


368  NAVAL    SONGS. 

The  following  doggerel,  written  by  a  sailor  of  Newport, 
was  then  given,  to  the  great  amusement  of  the  company. 

'Twas  on  a  dark  and  stormy  night, 

The  wind  and  waves  did  roar, 
Bold  Barton  then,  with  twenty  men 

Went  down  upon  the  shore. 

And  in  a  whale-boat  they  set  off 

To  Rhode  Island  fair, 
To  catch  a  red-coat  general 

Who  then  resided  there. 

Through  British  fleets  and  guard-boats  strong, 

They  held  their  dangerous  way, 
Till  they  arrived  unto  their  port, 

And  then  did  not  delay. 

A  tawny  son  of  Afric's  race 

Them  through  the  ravine  led, 
And  entering  then  the  Overing  House, 

They  found  him  in  his  bed. 

But  to  get  in  they  had  no  means 

Except  poor  Cuffee's  head, 
Who  beat  the  door  down,  then  rushM  in, 

And  seized  him  in  his  bed. 

"  Stop  !  let  me  put  my  breeches  on,'' 

The  general  then  did  pray  : 
"  Your  breeches,  massa,  I  will  take, 

For  dress  we  cannot  stay." 

Then  through  rye-stubble  him  they  led, 

With  shoes  and  breeches  none, 
And  placed  him  in  their  boat  quite  snug, 

And  from  the  shore  were  gone. 


NAVAL   SONGS.  369 

Soon  the  alarm  was  sounded  loud, 

"  The  Yankees  they  have  come, 
And  stolen  Prescott  from  his  bed, 

And  him  they've  carried  hum." 
The  drums  were  beat,  skyrockets  flew, 

The  soldiers  shoulder'd  arms, 
And  march'd  around  the  ground  they  knew, 

Fill'd  with  most  dire  alarms. 
But  through  the  fleet  with  muffled  oars 

They  held  their  devious  way, 
And  landed  him  on  'Ganset  shore 

Where  Britain  held  no  sway. 
When  unto  land  they  came, 

Where  rescue  there  was  none, 
"  A  d — d  bold  push,"  the  general  cried, 

"  Of  prisoners  I  am  one." 

There  was  a  general  shout  of  all  the  company  during  the 
whole  song,  and  at  the  close,  one  who  was  a  prisoner  on 
board,  at  the  time,  observed,  he  "  thought  the  deck  would 
come  through  with  the  stamping  and  cheering." 

General  Prescott  joined  most  heartily  in  the  merriment. 
Thrusting  his  hand  into  his  pocket,  he  handed  the  boy  a 
guinea,  saying,  "  Here,  you  young  dog,  is  a  guinea  for 
you."     The  boy  was  set  at  liberty  the  next  morning. 

This  anecdote  is  often  related  by  an  aged  gentleman  liv- 
ing at  Newport. 

189  BATTLE  OF  THE  POTOMAC,  WITH  THE 
MALAYS. 

WRITTEN  BY  ONE  OF  THE  CREW. 

As  the  sun  was  retiring  behind  the  high  mountains, 
The  forts  of  our  enemy  full  in  our  view ; 

The  frigate  Potomac,  John  Downes,  our  commander, 
Rode  proudly  at  anchor,  off  Quallah  Battoo. 


370  NAVAL    BONGS. 

The  land  breeze  blew  mild,  the  night  was  serene, 
Our  boats  was  the  word  and  our  tackles  were  mann'd  : 

Six  miles  was  the  distance  that  now  lay  between 
Our  fine  lofty  ship  and  the  enemy's  land. 

Our  boats  were  launch'd  on  the  breast  of  the  billows, 

And  moor'd  till  the  word   of  command   should   be 

given ; 

On  deck  we  reposed  with  our  swords  for  our  pillows, 

And  committed   our  cause,   with   its  justness,   to 

Heaven. 

At  the  dead  hour  of  night,  when  all  nature  was  silent. 

The  boatswain's  shrill  pipe  call'd  each  man  to  his 
post; 
Our  hearts  arm'd  with  justice,  our  minds  fully  bent 

To  attack  and  destroy  that  piratical  host, 

Who  boarded  the  Friendship,  and  murder'd  her  crew, 
Just  twelve  months  before  the  memorable  day, 

When  Shubrick  led  forth  the  Potomac's  so  true, 
To  fight  and  to  vanquish  the  hostile  Malay. 

Our  boats  were  all  ready,  and  we  were  prepared 
To  fight  or  to  die,  for  our  cause  it  was  just  ; 

Our  muskets  were  loaded,  and  our  bosoms  were  bared 
To  the  strife  or  the  storm,  for  in  God  was  our  trust. 

When  thus  spoke  our  brave  and  respected  commander, 
"I  charge  you  by  all  that  is  sacred  below, 

From  the  true  paths  of  honour,  or  virtue,  ne'er  wander; 
If  mercy's  requested,  then  mercy  bestow. 

Never  let  it  be  said,  that  the  sons  of  Columbia, 

Sheath'd  their  swords  in  the  breast  of  a  female  or 
child ; 


NAVAL   SONGS.  371 

And  may  virtue  and  honour  attend  you  this  day ; 
Be  you  death  to  the  arm'd,  to  the  helpless  be  mild. 

Now  silence  and  darkness  prevail'd  all  around, 
We  left  the  Potomac,  and  steer'd  for  the  shore ; 

Save  the  noise  of  the  sea-beach,  we  heard  not  a  sound, 
Our  rowlocks  were  matted,  and  muffled  each  oar. 

The  white  surf  ran  high,  as  our  boats  near'd  the  strand, 
And  the  gray  streaks  of  morning  began  to  appear  ; 

But,  by  prudence  and  caution,  we  safely  did  land, 
Though  the  waters  were  wild  and  the  enemy  near. 

To  their  force,  to  their  arms,  to  their  strength,  we  were 
strangers, 

But  bravely  advanced  to  the  forts  of  our  foe ; 
We  thought  of  no  trouble,  we  thought  of  no  dangers, 

Determined,  unless  we  in  death  were  laid  low, 

To  revenge  the  sad  wrongs  that  our  friends  and  our 
.    nation 

So  oft  have  sustain'd  from  those  demons  of  hell ; 
Our  work  we  commenced,  and  the  bright  conflagration, 

Left  but  few  of  our  foes  the  sad  story  to  tell. 

Their  forts,  they  were  strong,  and  like  heroes   they 
fought, 

For  mercy  or  quarter  they  never  had  shown  ; 
And  the  blood  of  their  victims  forever  they  sought, 

But  the  God  of  the  Christians  they  never  had  known. 

All  around  us  in  ambush  those  savages  lay, 

And  the  bullets  like  hail-stones  were  scattered  abroad. 

But  still  on  their  forts  we  continued  to  play, 
To  conquer  our  object,  Potomac's  our  word. 


372  NAVAL    SONGS. 


Exposed  to  their  fires,  the  Potomac's  advanced, 
Beneath  their  rude  ramparts  stood  firmly  and  brave; 

Resolved  that  the  stripes  and  stars  of  Columbia 
E're  long  on  their  ramparts  triumphant  should  wave. 

Their  firing  soon  ceased,  and  our  brave  pioneers 
Then  opened  a  path,  and  we  entered  their  gates  ; 

We  paused  but  a  moment,  gave  three  hearty  cheers, 
Then  hoisted  the  flag  that  is  worn  by  the  states. 

The  white  dashing  surf  now  began  to  increase, 
And  warn'd  us  the  hour  of  departure  was  near ; 

Our  wounded  and  slain  we  collected  in  peace, 
And  form'd,  with  our  pikes  and  our  muskets,  a  bier. 

To  convey  them,  all  weltering  and  pale,  from  the  shore 
To  our  ship,  that  majestically  rode  on  the  wave ; 

To  comfort  the  wounded,  the  dead  to  deplore, 
And  commit  their  remains  to  a  watery  grave. 

The  Potomac,  victorious,  once  more  under  way. 

Floats  proudly  along  the  smooth  eastern  waters  ; 
Columbia!  Columbia  !  the  deeds  of  that  day 

Shall   be   told   by  thy  sons,  and   be  sung  by  thy 
daughters. 
Our  officers,  valiant  in  battle  or  war, 

In  the  calm  time  of  peace  they  are  generous  and 
kind  ; 
Our  crew  for  the  brave  and  American  Star 

Are  all  in  one  voice  and  one  body  combined. 
May  success  then  attend  us,  wherever  we  roam, 

And  nothing  our  cause  or  our  progress  impede; 
May  the  Potomac,  with  glory  and  honour  come  home, 

And  her  name  ne'er  be  stain'd  with  an  unworthy 
deed. 


NAVAL  SONGS  373 

190    TO  THE  CONGRESS  OF  THE  UNITED 

STATES, 

THE    (NOT   HUMBLE)    PETITION    OF   THE 

"STRIPED  BUNTING." 

Occasioned  by  the  motion  of  a  worthy  member  of  Con- 
gress, in  1816,  to  make  some  alteration  in  the  United  States 
National  Flag. 

BY    SELLECK    OSBORN. 

High  waving,  unsullied,  unstruck,  proudly  showeth, 
What  each  friend,  and  each  foe,  and  each  neutral  well 

knoWeth, 
That  your  lofty  petitioner  never  descends, 
At  the  call  of  her  foes,  nor  the  whim  of  her  friends ; 
The  air  is  her  element — there  she  remains, 
'Bove  the  vapours  of  earth  and  the  vapour  of  brains  ; 
Her  path  is  ethereal — high  she  aspires, 
Her  stripes  aloft  streaming,  like  Boreal  fires ; 
They  stream  to  astonish,  dismay,  or  delight, 
As  the  foe  or  the  friend  may  encounter  the  sight. 
On  the  Mediterranean,  had  you  been  present, 
And  seen  them  display'd  o'er  the  infidel  crescent, 
The  terror  of  every  piratical  knave, 
But  hail'd  and  acclaim'd  by  the  honest  and  brave- 
In  that  region  so  clear,  in  that  sky  so  serene, 
Those  stars,  in  ascendancy  bright,  had  you  seen, 
Your  thoughts  from  their  glory  would   never  have 

ranged, 
Nor  dream 'd  that  fix>d  stars,  like  the  moon,  could  be 

changed. 

When  o'er  the  red  cross  of  the  humbled  Guerriere 
Your  petitioner  hover'd — then  was  she  not  dear  * 
32 


374  NAVAL    SONGS. 

So  bright  was  your  flag,  and  its  stars  so  resplendent, 
So  well  it  became  the  victorious  ascendant, 
That  the  crew  of  old  Ironsides  swore,  with  hearts  full, 
'Twas  the  best  thing  about  her,  excepting  her  Hull  ! 
By  the  fame  of  your  Jackson,  Boyd,  Ripley,  and  Scott, 
Who  beneath  your  petitioner  bravely  have  fought; 
By  their  naval  compeers,  each  illustrious  name 
That  has  made  your  petitioner  sacred  to  Fame; 
By  the  spirit  of  Lawrence,  unyielding  in  death, 
Whose  concern  for  her  glory  employ'd  his  last  breath  ;* 
By  all  that  has  claim  to  your  love  and  respect, 
She  adjures  you  to  save  her  from  shameful  neglect. 
Then  shall  your  petitioner,  dear  to  the  brave, 
As  in  honour  bound,  ever  triumphantly  wave. 


191     A  PARODY  ON  WALTER  SCOTT. 

BY 1    WONDER    WHO  1 

On  quarter-deck  Lord  Dacres  stood, 
And  saw  the  Constitution  good  ; 
Then  boldly  called  to  men  below, 
"  To  quarters  !  here's  the  Yankee  foe." 
Through  all  the  ship  was  heard  the  tone 
Of  whistle  shrill  by  boatswain  blown. 
The  YTankee  colours  he  could  ken. 
And  see  the  backwood  Irishmen  : 
And  banners,  too,  with  stripes  and  stars, 

At  the  mastheads  appear; 
While,  glistening  through  the  ropes  and  spars, 

Shine  many  pike  and  spear. 

*"  Don't  give  up  the  ship" — or.  don't  strike  the  bunting. 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

To  back  and  guard  the  gunners'  band, 

Lord  Dacres'  sailors  were  at  hand, 

A  hardy  race,  in  Albion  bred, 

With  jackets  blue  and  nightcaps  red, 

Array'd  beneath  the  banner  tall, 

That  streamed  triumphant  o'er  the  Gaul; 

Marines,  too,  shouting  in  disorder, 

Cried,  "Noble  Lord   Dacres!   you'll  see  how  we'll 

board  her." 
Now  every  English  eye  intent 
On  Yankee  stars  and  stripes  was  bent; 
So  near  they  were,  that  each  might  know 
A  pistol-ball  could  through  him  go. 
"Come  on,  my  boys,"  fierce  Dacres  cried, 
"For  soon  this  flag,  Britannia's  pride, 
That  swept  the  Dutchmen  from  the  sea, 
And  made  the  Gallic  squadrons  flee, 
From  that  ship's  tallest  mast  display 'd, 
Shall  show  that  ours  she's  fairly  made. 
Level  your  cannon  in  a  row : 
A  little  higher — there — so,  so  ; 
Up,  boarders,  on  the  deck,  and  cry, 
Dacres  for  England  !  win  or  die  !" 
Ill  would  it  suit  an  English  ear, 
Of  such  a  fight  as  this  to  hear; 
For  desperate  was  the  fight  and  long, 
And  either  vessel  stout  and  strong. 
But  now  'tis  done;  that  fatal  blow 
Has  laid  the  gallant  Guerriere  low ; 
She  tries  to  right ;  'tis  all  in  vain, 
The  Guerriere  ne'er  will  fight  again ; 
The  lee-gun's  fired,  the  battle's  o'er, 
The  Guerriere  sinks  to  rise  no  more. 


376  NAVAL    SONGS. 


192    TO  COMMODORE  JOHN  RODGERS. 

While  Glory  throws  o'er  Perry's  name 

A  ray  of  everliving  light, 
And  gallant  Chauncey's  temples  Fame 

Involves  in  wreaths  of  laurel  bright; 
While  tears  o'er  Burrows,  Allen,  flow, 

And  sicrhs  for  Sigourney  obtain  ; 
While  all  is  joy,  and  all  is  wo, 

For  battle  won  and  hero  slain; 

The  muse,  at  such  a  time,  to  you 

Her  song  of  fond  acclaim  would  raise, 
Though  cross'd  by  frowning  Fortune,  who, 

Triumphant,  yet  shall  gild  her  lays  ! 
Though  gloomy  clouds  and  vapours  drear 

Obscure  a  while  the  orb  of  day, 
Yet  glorious  shall  that  orb  appear, 

With  wonted  light,  and  gladdening  ray  ! 

And  though  in  vain  the  course  you  urge, 

For  equal  foe,  in  grade  and  might, 
To  utmost  Europe's  frozen  verge, 

Where  all  is  day,  or  all  is  night ; 
Yet  thou,  brave  man,  in  happier  hour, 

As  smiling  Fortune  cheers  the  main, 
With  equal  Foe,  in  grade  and  power, 

Shall  battle  find,  and  glory  gain ! 

Since  first  commenced  thy  bright  career, 
'Till  now — what  splendours  rise  between ! 

The  noblest  speculation  ne'er 

Had  formed  so  grand,  sublime  a  scene  ! 


NAVAL    SONGS,  377 

Since  then,  how  oft  hath  Albion  wail'd 

The  force  of  young  Alcides,  who 
The  hydra  of  the  deeps  assail'd, 

And  cleft  the  monster-fiend  in  two! 

Till  nature,  sickening,  sinks  in  years, 

And  virtue,  time,  and  space  decay ; 
Till  suns  and  planets  leave  their  spheres, 

And  earth  and  ocean  melt  away — 
Till  then  thy  life  shall  live  with  fame 

On  sculptured  dome  and  gilded  page; 
Till  then  thy  deeds  shall  time  proclaim 

From  zone  to  zone,  and  age  to  age ! 

Some  future  Homer  here  shall  sing: 

Some  bard  of  more  than  mortal  fire, 
With  muse  of  brightest,  boldest  wing, 

To  sweep  with  living  lay  the  lyre; 
And  who,  though  ages  sunk  in  time, 

And  sunk  the  suns  that  gild  the  west, 
Thy  deeds  to  raptured  worlds  shall  hymn, 

And  be  by  raptured  worlds  confess'd  ! 


193  ON  A  SUCCESSION  OF  OUR  NAVAL 
VICTORIES. 

BY    WILLIAM    RAY. 

Again  the  voice  of  Victory  cheers 

The  nation  with  its  sound  ! 
Death-struck  the  British  host  appears, 
Whose  flag  has  waved  "a  thousand  years," 

And  ne'er  an  equal  found. 
32* 


378  NAVAL    SONGS. 


Neptune,  astonish'd  at  the  sight, 
Now  looming  from  the  main, 
Beholds  the  equal-balanced  fight, 
And  sees  the  British  put  to  Might, 
Again!  again!  again! 

Convulsive  through  the  blood-mix'd  wave 

He  writhes  his  monster-form  ; 
His  voice  to  ocean's  deepest  cave, 
Where  sleep  the  bodies  of  the  brave, 
Comes  thundering  like  a  storm  ! 

"  Convene,  convene,  ye  ocean-powers  ! 

And  let  us  trace  the  cause 
Why  Fortune  on  Britannia  lowers, 
And  why  upon  Columbia  showers 

Such  triumph  and  applause!" 

But  ere  the  councils  of  the  king 

Had  solved  their  deep  surprise, 
Ere  loud  huzzas  had  ceased  to  ring, 
A  blood-stain'd  form,  on  lightning  wing. 
Came  darting  from  the  skies. 

'Twas  Mars,  the  potent  god  of  war, 

Commission'd  from  above 
To  bear  the  mandate  wide  and  far 
As  evpning  from  the  morning-star, 

Of  great,  almighty  Jove. 

"Too  long  has  proud  Britannia  nign'd 

The  tyrant  of  the  sea. 
With  guiltless  blood  her  banners  stain'd, 
Ten  thousand  by  impressment  chain'd, 

Whom  God  created  free. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  379 

"Injustice,  violence,  and  blood 

Hath  marr'd  her  naval  sway  ; 
Her  perpetrations  on  the  flood, 
Abhorr'd  by  all  the  great  and  good, 

Heaven's  vengeance  will  repay. 

"Then  take  your  trident  from  her  hand," 

(Mars  thus  to  Neptune  spoke ;) 
"  Tis  Heaven's — tis  Jove's  supreme  command, 
The  God  of  ocean  and  the  land, 

Which  fate  can  ne'er  revoke. 

"  Columbia  with  that  sceptre  rest, 

In  whom  the  gods  confide. 
For  she,  great  empress  of  the  west, 
By  all  the  nations  'tis  confess'd, 

Hath  Justice  on  her  side." 


194  SONG, 

Written  soon  after  the  Battle  of  Erie. 
Tune — Irish  Harp. 

Hail  to  the  chief,  now  in  glory  advancing, 
Who  conquer'd  the  Britons  on  Erie's  broad  wave : 

Who  play'd  Yankee  Doodle  to  set  them  a  dancing, 
Then  tripp'd  up  their  heels  for  a  watery  grave ; 

May  Heaven  its  favours  shed 

On  his  victorious  head — 
Bold  may  he  battle  and  conquer  the  foe: 

While  the  loud  cannon's  roar 

Echoes  from  shore  to  shore, 
Strike  for  Columbia — strike  !  lay  the  proud  low! 


NAVAL    SONGS. 


Ours!  ours  is  the  country  where  freemen  are  dwell- 
ing? 

No  tyrant  nor  lordling  disturbs  here  our  ease; 

Our  hearts, — freemen's  hearts, — proud  with  liberty 
swelling, 

Disdain  the  cold  tyrant  that  preys  on  the  seas. 
Once — though  weak  in  war, 
With  many  a  wound  and  scar — 

Bruised  we  the  Bull  till  he  ran  off  with  fear ; 
Yes  !  soon  the  time  will  come, 
When  e'en  the  Yankee  drum, 

Sounding  like  death-bell,  each  Briton  will  scare. 

Then  fight,  heroes,  fight  for  the  laurel  of  glory  ; 
While  England  insults  us  with  proud,  haughty  scorn  ; 

So  long  may  you  fight  to  ennoble  the  story 
Of  our  freemen  triumphant  o'er  Britons  forlorn. 

While  thus  ye  glory  gain, 

O'er  all  the  watery  main 
Yankees  shall  sing  the  exploits  of  the  brave  ; 

And  all  Columbia's  boys 

Exult,  with  patriot  joys, 
Over  our  heroes  that  ftVht  on  the  wave. 


195   KING  GEORGE  AND  "OLD  IRONSIDES. 

A   SQUIB — BV    PETER   QUINCE. 

The  king,  God  bless  him,  late  at  early  morn, 
Restored  to  sense;  was  seen  to  tread  the  lawn, 

Eager  to  learn  the  Constitution's  fate  ! 
So  says  report — report  sometimes  will  lie  : 
But  reader,  well  thou  know'st,  full  well  as  I, 

This  ship  has  troubled  much  his  royal  pate. 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

When  boasted  Dacres,  humbled  by  her  power, 
And  the  famed  Java,  in  unlucky  hour, 

Received  her  frown,  and  shrunk  beneath  the  tide, 
Caesar  grew  pale  at  first,  then  raved,  and  swore 
Neptune  was  base,  and  Amphitrite  was  mere, 

Thus  on  the  Yankee  contests  to  decide. 

Still  "Ironsides"  in  safety  rides  the  wave; 
The  king  resolves  his  sinking  fame  to  save; 

And  many  a  ship  is  sent  her  course  to  trace, 
Follow'd  by  squadrons,  too,  the  sea  to  roam, 
(The  ponderous  weight  e'en  makes  old  ocean  groan,) 

To  give  the  single  Constitution  chase! 

The  fleet  returns — thus  George,  with  sparkling  eyes  : 
**  Hey  !  hey !  what  news  1  what  news  1  hey  !  hey !"  he 
cries ; 

His  majesty  to  hear  was  all  agog; 
When  Stuart — Collier — Kerr* — with  crimson'd  face, 
Thus  spake — "  We  gave  the  Constitution  chase, 

And,  ah  !  great  sire,  we  lost  her  in  a  fog  !" 

"  Fog  !  fog  !  what  fog  1  hey,  Stuart,  what  fog  1  say  : 
So  then  the  foe  escaped  you,  Stuart,  heyT' 

"Yes,  please  your  majesty,  and  hard  our  fate" — 
"  But  why  not,  Stuart,  different  courses  steer"?" 
Stuart  replied,  (impute  it  not  to  fear,) 

"  We  thought  it  prudent  not  to  separate." 

*  Commanders  of  the  Newcastle,  Leander,  and  Acasta, 
the  squadron  that  pursued  the  Constitution. 


382  NAVAL    S0NG8. 


196  NAVAL  90NG. 

BY    EDWIN    C.    HOLLAND. 
Air—"  The  Glasses  sparkle." 

High  fill  the  bowl,  and  round  it  twine 

The  laurel-wreath  of  fame, 
The  wreath  that  blooms  through  latest  time, 

To  deck  the  hero's  name. 
To  Perry  and  his  gallant  host 

The  sparkling  wine  shall  Mow  ; 
They  tamed  the  pride  of  Britain's  boast, 

And  brought  her  glory  low. 
Stern  o'er  the  dark,  tempestuous  wave, 

That  heaves  its  sullen  swell, 
O'er  many  a  hero  bold  and  brave, 

Who  in  that  combat  fell. 
The  shouting  host  of  freemen  rose, 

Unfurl'd  the  flag  of  fight, 
And  bade  defiance  to  their  foes, 

To  Britain  and  her  might. 
Together  now  the  squadron  ride, 

The  thundering  cannons  roar, 
The  lightning's  flash  from  side  to  side, 

And  Slaughter  wades  in  gore: 
Fierce  Horror  now  patrols  the  deck, 

To  swell  the  rage  of  fight, 
And  Tumult  Hies  with  hurried  step, 

And  wild,  averted  Bight. 
Where  Perry  moved,  the  god  of  war 

More  fiercely  seein'd  to  <jlow; 
Destruction,  like  a  baleful  star, 

Rain'd  terror  on  the 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

From  soul  to  soul  the  pride  of  fame, 

The  love  of  country  flies, 
And  every  heart  received  the  flame 

That  lighten'd  in  his  eyes. 

No  longer  rocks  the  battle's  sweep 

On  Erie's  stormy  tides, 
But  o'er  its  wild  and  ruffled  deep, 

Victorious  !  Perry  rides  ; 
Rise  !  freemen  of  Columbia,  rise  ! 

Exalt  the  hero's  name  ; 
Through  distant  lands  and  foreign  skies, 

Sound  !  sound  the  trump  of  fame ! 


197  OUR  NAVAL  HEROES. 

Tune—"  The  Duke  of  York's  March." 
BY    CHARLES   L.    S.    JONES. 

Strike  the  bold  string !  The  sounding  anthem  raise  ! 
The  heroes  of  our  naval  glory  claim  the  high  song ! 
Strike  the  string ! 
Whilst  Time,  upon  the  wing, 
Listening,  stands  to  seize  and  spread  their  praise 
O'er  ocean's  waves,  where,  beaming, 
Freedom's  bright  stars  are  streaming ; 
Where  our  war-ships,  coursing  fearless,  wend  their 

way  along ! 
Strike  the  sounding  lyre !     The  song  shall  rise, 
Deathless,  immortal,  in  thundering  echoes  to  the  skies, 
With  the  bright  wreaths  of  an  immortality, 
To  grace  and  crown  our  heroes  of  the  sea ! 


384  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Borne  by  the  swell  of  the  wide  extending  main, 

Old  England,  with  her  thronging  navy,  claim'd  the 

proud  sway, 
Boasting  wide 
Dominion  o'er  its  tide, 
Vainly  hectoring  o'er  its  foamy  plain ; 
Till,  o:er  the  briny  ocean, 
Taught  by  the  high  devotion 
Of  our  tars  to  Freedom's  cause,  she  cowering  yields 

the  day. 
Strike  the  sounding  lyre  !  the  song  shall  rise, 
Deathless,  immortal,  in  thundering  echoes  to  the  skies, 
With  the  bright  wreaths  of  an  immortality, 
To  grace  and  crown  our  heroes  of  the  sea ! 


198  SIR  PETER  PARKER. 

Tune — "Maggy  Lauder.'' 
BY    CHARLES    L.    S.    JONES. 

Let  others  sing,  whilst  loudly  ring 

The  valleys  to  their  measures, 
Of  love,  or  wine,  or  sports  divine, 
Made  vocal  by  their  pleasures  ; 

Be  mine  the  theme, 

No  fancied  dream 
Of  visionary  barker ; 

The  warlike  cheer, 

And  welcome  here, 
Of  brave  Sir  Peter  Parker. 


NAVAL    SONGS,  385 

Let  not  the  muse  her  strains  refuse, 

Accordant  to  my  metre, 
Whilst  I  declare  the  exploits  rare 
Of  valiant-hearted  Peter ; 

Nor  deem  me  wrong 

To  raise  the  song — 
Of  praise  I  am  no  sharker ; 

But  let  my  shell 

The  wonders  tell 
Of  brave  Sir  Peter  Parker. 

He  oft  would  boast  to  rule  the  roast 

Upon  the  briny  ocean ; 
And  scold  and  jeer  with  glorious  cheer, 
Expecting  high  promotion : 

Whilst  from  his  fun 

The  Yankees  run, 
As  fearful  of  a  jeering; 

Lest  like  Van  Tromp 

Their  hides  he'd  thump, 
His  broom  at  mast-head  rearing. 

Long  had  he  sail'd,  and  nothing  hail'd, 

As  worthy  of  a  winner  ; 

So  did  desire,  to  ease  his  ire, 

A  Baltimorean  dinner ; 

And  in  he  sent  with  that  intent 
His  compliments,  high  sounding, 
Whilst,  from  on  board, 
His  thunders  roar'd, 
Their  Yankee  souls  astounding. 

But  not  to  be  behind  in  glee, 
Or  hospitable  freedom, 
33 


366  NAVAL   SONGS. 


They  answer  sent,  he  might  have  twent- 
Y  dinners  if  he'd  need  them  ; 

0  glorious  feast, 

For  prince,  or  priest, 
'Twould  cure  the  gout  or  cholic; 

Sir  Peter  swore, 

He  ne'er,  before, 
Saw  such  a  Yankee  frolic. 

But  most  his  tongue  thy  praises  rung, 

Jamaica's  lively  liquor; 
And  swore,  'twas  fit  to  enliven  the  wit 
Of  laymen  or  of  vicar: 

So  not  in  fun 

To  be  outdone, 
They  sent  this  gallant  sparker, 

Well  season'd,  home, 

In  his  favourite  rum, 
The  far-famed  Peter  Parker. 


199       THE  STRIPE  AND  THE  STAR. 

BY    CHARLES    L.    S.    JONE«5. 
Thine— "  How  Happy's  the  Soldier." 

Where  lordly  Champlain,  on  its  wild  surging  wave, 
Bears  proudly  the  keels  of  the  free  and  the  brave, 
Unmoved  by  the  boasts  which  their  courage  decry, 
Our  fleet's  gallant  pennons  in  buoyancy  fly; 
Though  Albion  in  thunder  descend,  and  her  war 
Break  rough  o'er  the  sons  of  the  stripe  and  the  star. 


NAVAL   SONGS.  387 

O'er  her  white  foamy  bosom,  with  shouts  of  delight, 

The  sons  of  Columbia  rush  fearless  to  fight: 

A  hero  presides  o'er  the  battle-deck  brave, 

And  the  flag  of  Macdonough  sweeps  broad  o'er  tne 

wave, 
Where  Freedom  above,  cheering  smiles  from  her  car, 
And  her  laurel-wreaths  twine  round  the  stripe  and 

the  star. 

No  longer  ye  Island-born  sons  of  the  sea, 
Unequal,  contend  with  the  brave  and  the  free, 
Where  Liberty  scoffs  at  your  vaunts  and  your  pride, 
And  her  conquest-crown'd  navies  in  victory  ride  ! 
But  bow  your  proud  heads,  as  ye  skulk  from  the  war, 
And  bend  to  the  sheen  of  the  stripe  and  the  star. 


200  OUR  INFANT  NAVY. 

BY    CHARLES   L.    S.    JONES. 
Tune — "  When  I  was  a  little  boy,  some  twenty  years  ago. 

When  our  navy  yet  was  young, 

Some  thirty  years  ago, 
To  try  their  skill,  with  right  good  will, 

They  sought  the  haughty  foe  ; 
And  the  turban'd  Turk  brought  low. 

Though  underneath  their  batteries, 

Our  captive  frigate  lay, 
Where  ball  and  shot  flew,  hissing  hot, 

Across  the  foamy  bay  ; 
They  cut  their  prize  away. 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

And  little  reck'd  that  gallant  band 

The  coil  of  vvliisker'd  s\\. 
Nor  deem'd  their  fun  but  half  begun, 

Till  they  had  bow'd  the  knaves, 
And  our  flag  controll'd  their  waves. 

Then  here's  to  brave  Decatur, 
And  his  valiant-hearted  crew, 

Who  show'd  the  Turk  what  handy-work 
Our  infant  force  could  do: 

A  lesson  before  he  ne'er  knew. 


201  OUR  OCEAN  LAKES. 

BY    CHARLES   L.    S.    JOH     9. 
Tune— "  The  Turban'd  Turk." 

Let  turbaivd  Turks  their  boasts  give  o'er. 

Whilst  Yankee  seamen  plough  the  deep! 
And  British  seamen  vaunt  no  more, 

Whilst  o'er  the  waves  our  banners  sweep  ! 
Trafalgar's  laurel  and  the  Nile's 

Before  superior  glory  shakes; 
For  crested  Fortune  proudly  smiles 

Upon  our  swelling  ocean  lakes. 

Old  Tripoli,  with  savage  pride. 

Would  fain  have  ruled  the  wal 
And  Tunis  ami  Algiers  would  hide. 

Within  their  slavish  holds,  the  brave: 
But  Freedom's  banner,  proud  and  bighi 

Their  domim  .  ring  Bceptre  shakes; 
From  whence  bright  Victory's  pinions  tlv 

To  perch  upon  our  ocean  lakes. 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

Let  Albion  boast  her  thousand  keels, 

Her  hearts  of  oak,  inured  to  war ; 
Her  vaunting  courage,  fainting,  reels 

Before  the  stripe  and  glittering  star. 
Our  greater  glory  dims  her  less, 

Whilst  at  our  wrath  she  trembling  quakes, 
As,  on  her  sight,  our  navies  press 

The  bosom  of  our  ocean  lakes. 
While  virtue's  worth  is  known  to  fame, 

While  valour's  meeds  the  strain  prolong  ; 
So  long  shall  live  Macdonough's  name, 

And  Perry's  praise  be  known  in  song. 
Oh !  crown  with  wreaths  your  warlike  sons ! 

Oh  crown  them  for  your  children's  sakes  ! 
As  long  as  in  his  orbit  runs 

The  bright  god  o'er  our  ocean  lakes ! 


202        ON  THE  LOSS  OF  L'EPERVIER. 

An  earthquake  may  be  made  to  spare 

The  man  that's  strangled  with  a  hair.    Cowpeb. 

0  thou  enlivener  of  the  human  mind 

Where  sadness,  else,  and  gloomy  sorrow  sweep, 
With  raven  wings  through  darkness  unconfined, 

And  cheerfulness'  smiles  in  bondage  keep, 
Still  linger  round  the  cavern  of  Despair, 
And  cast,  0  Hope  !  one  gleam  of  sunshine  there ! 
The  father's  prayers,  the  orphan's  sobbing  cries, 

In  their  peculiar  energy  express'd, 
A  sister's  tears,  the  widow'd  mother's  sighs, 

To  thee,  O  Hope !  are  at  this  hour  address'd : 
No  balm  of  comfort  to  their  hearts  is  near, 
If  thou,  benignant  Power,  refuse  to  hear. 
33* 


390  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Hoar  follows  hour,  and  day  to  day  succeeds, 

Weeks  make  up   months   and    months   amount  to 
years ; 

But  expectation  expectation  breeds 

And  calls  on  thee  to  dissipate  our  fears  ; — 

Yet  fears  and  apprehensions  rise  in  cr 

And  strive  to  shadow  o'er  thy  beams  with  clouds. 

Darker  and  darker  still  the  prospect  grows, 

Till  scarce  one  ray  the  gathering  gloom  pervades ; 

Worn-out  Suspense  no  casual  doubt  best'  \ 

And  Fancy's  lingering  twilight's  glimmering  fades. 

Now  sick  at  heart,  from  hope  deferr'd  too  long, 

The  voice  of  Joy  cheers  not  the  mourning  throng. 

Far  o'er  the  wide  Atlantic,  every  eye, 

That  aches  with  watching — though  it  cannot  sleep, 
Looks  through  the  misty  regions  of  the  sky, 

And  glances  o'er  the  billows  of  the  deep  : 
In  vain  the  visual  shaft  pursues  its  mark — 
Shubrick  appears  not,  nor  his  gallant  bark. 

In  wild  suspense,  each  agitated  soul 

Resembles  ocean's  limitless  abyss, 
Where  waves  on  waves  in  desperate  surges  roll, 

Headlong  from  precipice  to  precipice. 
Then,  breaking  on  the  topmost  ridges,  bound 
In  furious  whirlpools  to  the  vast  profound  ! 

Lost  in  uncertainty,  no  clew,  no  guide 

Directs  our  driving  thoughts,  nor  chocks  their  speed  : 
O'er  the  void  wilderness  they  wander  wide 

From  every  self-imposed  restriction  freed, 
Tired  out,  at  last,  Imagination  halts. 
And,  with  dismay,  from  further  search  revolts  ! 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

Yet  Reason  strives  to  keep  our  spirits  up, 
With  many  a  bold  or  plausible  surmise  ; 

Contends  that,  in  Affliction's  bitterest  cup, 
One  drop  at  least  of  consolation  lies  ; 

And  bids  us  still,  with  confidence,  depend 

On  Him  who  always  was  the  sufferer's  friend. 

"Shall  we  suppose,"  she  asks,  "that  those  who  past 

So  many  years  in  hard  captivity, 
Should,  by  Decatur,  be  released  at  last, 

Merely  to  sink  in  yon  devouring  sea? 
And  that  their  friends,  upon  a  distant  shore, 
Should  never  feel  their  warm  embraces  more  ? 

"And  shall  that  venturous  crew  be  thus  inurned, 
Afar  from  home,  beneath  unfriendly  waves, 

Whose  gallant  hearts,  with  indignation  burn'd 
To  free  their  countrymen  from  being  slaves — 

And  who,  with  so  much  skill,  repell'd  the  blow, 

Which,  but  for  them,  had  laid  our  country  low?" 

— Shubrick !  to  thee  and  thy  intrepid  crew, 
Whose  patriotic  labours  have  been  shown, 

The  willing  muse  awards  the  homage  due, 
And  consecrates  your  monumental  stone, 

On  which  the  pen  of  history  shall  repeat 

The  tale  of  many  a  daring  naval  feat. 

Where  all  are  brave  'twere  hardly  fair  to  choose, 
And  fix  the  applausive  look  on  only  one ; 

And  yet,  without  an  eagle's  eye,  the  muse 
Could  not  at  once  behold  what  all  have  done  : 

The  range  is  too  extensive,  and  the  blaze 

Of  your  exploits  o'erpowers  the  incautious  gaze. 


392  NAVAL    SONGS. 

The  bia8,  too,  which  partial  friendship  owns, 
Will  justify  the  choice  of  Yarnall's  name; 

Affection  for  such  preference  well  atones 

And  saves  the  poet,  in  the  friend,  from  blame  : 

Nor  will  fraternal  fondness,  felt  so  long, 

Withhold  from  him  the  eulogizing  song. 

If,  when  a  nation  that  has  suffered  wrongs 
Which  diplomatic  skill  cannot  redress, 

Calls  out  her  troops  of  volunteers,  in  throngs, 
An  insolent  invasion  to  repress, 

And,  at  her  call,  her  sons  in  phalanx  join, 

Breast  flanking  breast,  to  wall  the  lengthen'd  line; 

Or,  if  on  Erie's  flood,  at  Perry's  side, 

Where  duty  station'd  him,  young  Yarnall  stood, 

And,  with  composure,  every  method  tried, 
To  fill  the  ranks  as  often  as  he  could, 

Till  his  brave  fallen  comrades,  round  him  thrown, 

Left  him  at  last  to  work  his  guns  alone ; — 

If,  when  those  ranks  were  thinn'd,  the  commodore 
Leap'd  from   the  Lawrence,  whilst  she  yet  could 
swim, 

And  recognising  Yarnall,  in  his  gore, 

Conferr'd  the  desperate  management  to  him, 

Who  with  his  eight  companions  kept  the  deck 

And  sprang  to  triumph  from  the  sinking  wreck ; — 

If  deeds  like  these  entitle  one  to  fame, 

Such  as  the  world  possesses  power  to  give, 

His  honours  are  secure;  for  Yarnall's  name 
Must,  on  the  records  of  his  country,  live; — 

And  Perry  and  Decatur  will  attest 

Who  seconded  their  boldest  efforts  best. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  393 

Thus  is  his  praise  establish'd  here  on  earth, 
By  those  who  have  his  public  service  shared : 

His  higher  praise,  built  on  his  moral  worth, 
Need  not  the  testimony  of  the  bard — 

That  bard  who  knew  his  heart,  and  who  might  swell 

The  eulogy  of  one  he  loved  so  well. 

For,  since  the  moral  duties  best  are  shown 
In  brother,  son,  companion,  neighbour,  friend. 

These  virtues  may,  on  his  sepulchral  stone, 
Be,  by  the  sculptor's  chisel,  made  to  blend  : 

For  these  were  his,  as  those  survivors  know 

Whose  tears  for  him  in  sweet  remembrance  flow. 

But  ah  !  it,  matters  not  what  might  be  said 
O'er  the  cold  ashes  of  the  friends  we  mourn  : 

Our  best  instruction  is,  to  know,  the  dead 
Have  surely  pass'd  the  irremeable  bourne  :— 

A  simple  truth  which,  to  the  mind,  conveys 

More  profit  than  all  monumental  praise. 


203    ON  THE  CHARACTER  OF  COMMODORE 
MACDONOUGH. 

BY   LYDIA    HUNTLEY    SIGOURNEY. 

The  scene  of  death  is  past:  the  cannon's  roar 
Dies  in  faint  echoes  on  the  distant  wave. 
The  Christian  and  the  hero  stands  alone 
Encircled  by  the  slain.     No  flush  of  joy 
Or  ray  of  triumph  gilds  his  thoughtful  brow  ; 
For  though  his  heart  ascends  in  grateful  praise 
To  Him  who  heard  his  prayer,  it  sighs  with  pain, 
Lamenting  o'er  the  wo  his  hand  has  wrought. 


394  NAVAL    SONGS. 

That  bosom,  which,  amidst  the  battle's  rage, 

Was  calm  and  tranquil,  feels  the  life-blood  creep 

Chill  through  its  channels,  and  that  manly  cheek, 

Which  kept  its  hue  unblanch'd  when  shrieks  of  death 

And  agony  arose,  is  pale,  and  sad, 

And  wet  with  bitter  tears  for  brethren  lost. 

To  them  he  turns  his  eye,  but  meets  no  glance 

Of  answering  friendship.     On  the  deck  they  sleep 

Pale,  ghastly,  silent;  while  the  purple  stream 

Flows,  slowly  ebbing,  from  their  bosoms  cold. 

One  short  hour  since,  he  saw  them  full  of  life, 

And  strength,  and  courage;  now  the  northern  blast 

Sighs  as  it  passes  o'er  them — whispering  low, 

"  Behold  the  end  of  man  !" 

Nor  yet  for  friends  alone  the  victor  sighs, 

The  noble  heart  may  mourn  a  fallen  foe, 

And  do  no  wrong  to  honour  ;  may  revere 

His  virtues,  and  lament  that  cruel  fate 

Bade  those  to  meet  so  stern  who  would  have  joy'd 

To  join  in  friendship's  pure  and  sacred  bands. 

He  fought  not  for  the  vain  applause  of  man, 

To  light  the  flame  of  war  in  distant  lands, 

Or  carry  fire,  and  sword,  and  wo,  and  death 

Among  the  innocent;  but  nerved  his  arm 

And  steel'd  his  ardent  heart,  to  meet  the  sword 

Drawn  on  his  native  land,  and  urged  to  blood, 

By  provocation  strange  and  the  blind  wrath 

Of  erring  man.     He  saw  a  martial  host 

Press,  with  invading  step,  her  valleys  green, 

Pour  o'er  her  placid  lakes  the  storm  of  war; 

Saw  her  smooth  waters  darken'd  with  the  shade 

Of  crowding  fleets;  he  saw  the  smoke  arise 

In  heavy  volumes,  from  those  splendid  domes, 


NAVAL    SONGS.  395 

Where  legislation  held  her  awful  sway. 

He  felt  her  sad  disgrace,  and  heard  a  voice, 

Deep  toned  and  piercing,  call  the  brave  to  arms ; 

His  was  the  heart  to  answer,  and  he  rose, 

With  confidence  in  heaven,  and  soul  prepared. 

He  stood  the  shock,  and  from  the  furnace  flame 

Came  forth  like  gold.     And  if  this  scene  of  wo 

Is  still  to  last,  may  many  heroes  rise, 

Thus  bright  with  rays  whose  source  is  from  within, 

And  clad  in  virtue's  arms. 

The  temper'd  sword,  long  bathed  in  blood, may  break; 

The  shield  may  be  destroy'd;  the  well-aim'd  dart 

Err  in  its  course  ;  the  warrior's  eye  grow  dim ; 

But  the  firm  soul,  whose  trust  is  placed  above,  [sound, 

Shrinks  not;  though  loud  that  last,  dread  trump  should 

Whose  warning  voice  shall  rend  the  solid  earth, 

And  give  her  glory  to  the  whelming  flame. 


204  SONG, 

Composed  on  the  summit  of  Mouna  Roa,  the  evening  pre- 
ceding the  Anniversary  of  the  battle  of  New  Orleans. 

BY    A   SEAMAN   OF    THE    VINCENNES. 

Huzza  !  my  boys,  the  ship  Vincennes 

Comes  proudly  o'er  the  wave  ; 
Bold  Captain  Wilkes  in  her  commands 

Two  hundred  seamen  brave. 
With  joyful  hearts  and  hopes  all  bright, 

These  Yankee  sailors  come; 
While  glory's  full  meridian  light 

Shines  on  their  passage  home. 
"These  are  my  sons,"  bright  Freedom  cries, 

"  From  the  Antarctic  sea  ; 


396  NAVAL    SONGS. 

And  proudly  from  their  mi/zen  flies 

The  stars  of  liberty. 
These  are  the  tars  that  dared  explore 

The  new  Antarctic  world  ; 
\.nd  nobly  on  its  frozen  shore 

Columbia's  flag  unfurl'd. 

"The  Fejee  group  they  have  survey'd, 

With  well  instructed  hearts; 
And  every  island,  reef,  and  bay 

Lies  pictured  on  their  charts." 
She  paused,  and  lo  !  from  Freedom's  eye 

There  fell  a  crystal  tear; 
"Two  sons  I've  lost,"  the  goddess  cried, 

"  Two  sons  I  held  most  dear." 
Nay,  Freedom,  quell  each  mournful  sigh; 

Those  crystal  drops  restrain; 
The  sequel  shall  relight  thine  eye 

With  pleasure's  beams  again. 
We  are  the  tars  our  chieftain  led, 

O'er  dark  Malolo's  plain; 
Before  us  hosts  of  Indians  fled, 

And  left  a  hundred  slain. 
We  are  the  men  that  burn'd  their  towns. 

Well  fortified  and  new ; 
Destroy'd  their  cattle,  fruits,  canoes, 

Because  thy  sons  they  slew. 
On  hands  and  knees  the  murderous  host 

Did  crawl  our  chief  to  meet; 
They  own'd  'twas  retribution  just. 

Begg'd  pardon  at  his  feet. 
To  Mouna  Roa's  fiery  top 

These  daring  t  irs  have  scaled  ; 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

And  there  o'er  all  the  scienced  group, 

Our  chieftain  has  prevail'd. 
Let  England  boast  her  Cook  and  Ross, 

And  other  chiefs  of  fame ; 
They  all  must  stand  like  mounds  of  dross 

Beside  our  chieftain's  name. 
0«i  Fame's  broad  pillow,  hand  in  hand, 

Shall  stand  in  bold  relief, 
High  o'er  the  rest  of  all  the  band, 

Columbus  and  our  chief. 
Then  speed  thee  on,  our  gallant  ship. 

And  homeward  bear  thy  tars  ; 
While  proudly  glitters  from  thy  peak 

Columbia's  flag  of  stars. 


From  the  Baltimore  American,  June  17, 1842. 

205         A  SONG  OF  OTHER  DAYS. 

The  late  Chancellor  Kilty,  of  Maryland,  well  known  as 
an  ardent  whig  and  a  gallant  soldier  in  revolutionary  times, 
and  still  personally  remembered  with  affection  by  many  in 
this  community,  was  a  pretty  good  poet,  as  well  as  a  warm 
patriot.  The  following  song,  recently  found  among  the 
chancellor's  papers,  was  composed  by  him,  and  sung  at  a 
public  dinner  at  Alexandria,  on  the  4th  of  July,  1794,  by 
Mr.  Stansbury,  who  presided  on  the  occasion.  General 
Washington  was  present.  The  memorandum  made  by  the 
chancellor  on  the  occasion  says: — "At  the  first  verse, 
which  is  quoted  from  an  old  English  song,  the  English  mer- 
chants and  tories  were  much  pleased,  and  crowded  to  the 
head  of  the  tabfe — and  General  Washington  showed  some 
surprise.  At  the  third  verse  the  English  guests  resumed 
their  places."     Here  follows  the  song : 

"  When  Britain  first  at  Heaven's  command 
Arose  from  out  the  azure  main, 
34 


398  NAVAL    SONGS. 

This  was  the  charter  of  the  land, 

And  guardian  angels  sung  the  strain — 
Rule  Britannia,  Britannia  rule  the  waves, 
For  Britons  never  shall  be  slaves." 

'Twas  thus  when  rival  nations  stroye 

E'er  Freedom's  sacred  home  was  known, 
That,  ardent  with  their  country's  love,        . 
And  claiming  ocean  as  their  own, 
They  sung,  Rule  Britannia,  Britannia,  rule  the  waves. 
For  Britons  never  shall  be  slaves. 

But,  wherefore  Britons  rule  the  waves? 

Why  grasp  the  wide-extended  seal 
Must  all  the  world  beside  be  slaves, 
That  only  Britons  may  be  free? 
Hence,  then,  Britannia  no  more  shall  rule  the  waves, 
Nor  see  the  nations  round  her  slaves. 
On  every  coast,  on  every  shore, 

The  bounteous  sea  her  treasure  spreads, 
To  countless  millions  wafts  her  store, 
Nor  tribute  pays  to  crowned  heads; 
Hence  then,  Britannia,  no  longer  rule  the  waves, 
Nor  seek  to  make  thy  equals  slaves. 
For  see,  Columbia's  sons  arise, 

Firm,  independent,  bold,  and  free  ; 
They  too  shall  seize  the  glorious  prize, 
And  share  the  empire  of  the  sea; 
Hence  then,  let  freemen,  let  freemen  rule  the  waves, 
And  those  who  yield  them  still  be  slaves. . 
This  glorious  day,  which  still  shall  live 

Illustrious  in  the  book  of  fame; 
This  day,  revolving,  still  shall  give 
A  kindling  spark- of  Freedom's  rlame, 


NAVAL    SONGS,  399 

And  we  as  freemen,  will  we  not  rule  the  waves, 
Nor  own  a  power  to  make  us  staves  1 

And  still,  on  this  auspicious  day, 

Like  friends  and  brethren  let  us  join  ; 
In  concert  tune  the  festive  lay 
Sacred  to  Liberty  divine ; 
Which  still  will  guard  us,  on  land  as  on  the  waves, 
Determined  never  to  be  slaves. 

Nor  on  this  day  let  memory  fail 

To  celebrate  each  hero  slain, 
With  patriot  tears  their  fates  bewail, 
Who  died  our  freedom  to  obtain; 
Which  may  we  cherish,  on  land  as  on  the  waves, 
Nor  change  from  freemen  to  he  slaves. 

But  chiefly  him,  whose  faithful  toils 

Led  us  to  liberty  and  peace, 
On  whom  America  still  smiles 
With  gratitude  which  ne'er  shall  cease; 
Long  may  the  hero  live  who  still  his  country  saves, 
Nor  ever  let  him  see  us  slaves. 


206  THE  TOMB  OF  BURROWS. 

I  saw  the  green  turf  resting  cold 
On  Burrows'  hallow'd  grave, 

No  stone  the  inquiring  patriot  told 
Where  slept  the  good  and  brave. 

Heaven's  rain  and  dew  conspired  to  blot 

The  traces  of  the  holy  spot. 


400  NAVAL    SONGS. 

No  flowerets  deck'd  the  little  mound 

That  moulder'd  on  his  breast, 
Nor  rural  maidens,  gathering  round, 

His  tomb  with  garlands  dress'd  ; 
But  sporting  children  thoughtless  trod 
On  Valour's  consecrated  sod. 
I  mourn'd,  who  for  his  country  bleeds 

Should  be  forgot  so  soon, 
That  fairest  fame  and  brightest  deeds 

Should  want  a  common  boon. 
But  0  !  the  rich  have  hearts  of  steel, 
And  what  can  Penury  more  than  feel  ? 
At  length,  "  a  passing  stranger"*  came 

Whose  hand  its  bounties  shed, 
He  bade  the  speaking  marble  claim 

A  tribute  for  the  dead  : 
And,  sweetly  blending,  hence  shall  flow 
The  tears  of  gratitude  and  wo. 


207     DEATH  OF  COMMODORE  PERRY. 

BY    ROBERT    S.  COFFIN. 

The  hero  of  Erie  hath  gone  to  his  rest, 

Renown'd  on  the  pages  of  story  ; 
And  the  sun  of  his  fame  that  rose  in  the  west, 

Hath  set  in  the  blaze  of  its  glory 

No  more  shall  the  billow  of  Erie's  dark  shores, 

As  it  rolls  in  the  silence  of  sadness, 
Re-echo  the  words,  "  We  have  met ;  they  are  ours  !" 

Inspiring  the  freemen  with  gladness. 

*  Mr.  Davis,  of  Now  York. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  401 

No  more  shall  the  friend  of  his  bosom  behold 

The  lord  of  her  love  and  her  spirit : 
But  she'll  find  in  the  heart  of  his  country  enroll'd 

His  courage,  his  zeal,  and  his  merit. 
The  stranger  was  kind,  and  Perry  was  blest, 

For  friendship  made  smooth  the  rough  pillow; 
He  breathed  but  one  sigh,  it  was  breathed  to  the  west, 

And  the  breeze  bore  it  safe  o'er  the  billow. 
The  hero  of  Erie  is  sleeping  afar, 

Columbia,  he's  lost  to  thee  ever; 
The  spirit  that  walk'd  on  the  whirlwind  of  war 

Returns  to  thee  never,  0,  never  ! 
Farewell  to  the  hero  of  Erie's  dark  shores ; 

Columbia,  his  valour  remember; 
Engrave  on  his  tomb,  "  We  have  met;  they  are  ours!" 

And  hallow  the  month  of  September. 


208     LOSS  OF  THE  U.  S.  SHIP  WASP, 

Supposed  to  have  been  sunk  at  sea,  in  an  engagement  during 
the  night. 

BY    ROBERT    S.  COFFIN. 

'Tis  night! — Columbia's  foe  is  nigh, 

And  loud  Columbia's  thunders  roar; 
'Tis  night ! — The  war-torch  flameth  high, 
And  ocean's  sounding  surges  pour ; 
But  ere  the  light 
Of  morning  bright 
Shall  bid  the  sea-bird  soar, 
That  bloody  fight 
Shall  close  in  night : 
Those  foemen  meet  no  more. 
34* 


•102  NAVAL    » 

'Tis  night ! — Pale  Cynthia's  silver' beams 
Are  glittering  on  the  murmuring  wave; 
'Tis  night! — The  sea-mew's  piercing  screams 
Xo  longer  wake  the  slumbering  brave; 

For  0  !  they  sleep 

In  caverns  deep, 
Where  whirlwinds  cease  to  rave  : 

Where  fairies  weep 

And  vigils  keep 
Around  their  hallow'd  grave. 

'Tis  morn! — Columbia's  sighs  proclaim 

That  she  hath  heard  the  tale  of  wo  ; 
'Tis  mom! — But,  ah  !  her  wreaths  of  fame 
Will  never  twine  her  Blakeley's  brow  : 

Yet  o'er  his  urn 

Shall  heroes  mourn, 
And  as  their  tear-drops  flow, 

Their  hearts  shall  burn, 

And  proudly  spurn 
The  triumph  of  the  foe. 


209         THE  TPJPOLITAX  CAPTIVE. 

Tune — "  When  peiu-ite  I  thought  on  nn 

The  moon  silver'd  o'er  the  rough  surge 

That  broke  on  the  Barbary  shore ; 
Where  Tripoli's  castle  emerge, 

And  frowns  while  the  hoarse  billows  roar, 
On  a  rock  that  look'd  over  the  flood, 

While  the  clank  of  his  chains  pierced  the  air, 
A  son  of  Columbia  stood, 

A  statue  of  wo  and  despair. 


NAVAL    SONGS. 


403 


His  eyes  in  distraction  were  roll'd, 

His  countenance  hollow  and  pale; 
His  sighs  would  his  sorrows  have  told, 

But  their  murmurs  were  lost  in  the  gale. 
"  0,  my  country  !"  heart-broken  he  cried, 

"  Where  now  is  thy  liberty  gone? 
Independence,  thy  boast  and  thy  pride, 

Did  once  at  captivity  spurn. 

"  Ah  !  why  then  this  cruel  delay, 

While  your  children  in  slavery  you  see] 
Where's  the  gold  that  you  lavish  away, 

Where's  the  valour  that  once  made  you  free  ] 
At  a  distance  you  hear  not  our  cries, 

You  know  not  the  anguish  we  bear, 
Or  else,  when  our  death-shrieks  arise, 

Columbia  would  sure  drop  a  tear. 

"But  adieu  every  lisp  of  reproach, 

My  tears,  ye  no  longer  shall  flow ; 
Death  rapidly  makes  his  approach, 

To  relieve  the  poor  captive  of  wo. 
What  means  this  renewal  of  grief? 

O  my  parents  !  thy  sorrows  are  vain ; 
Adieu !  ye  can  give  no  relief, 

Adieu!  we  shall  soon  meet  again." 

His  knees  were  now  bent  to  the  ground, 

His  eyes  in  distraction  were  raised, 
When  suddenly  glaring  around,  ' 

On  the  scenery  wildly  he  gazed  ; 
Then  quickly  the  poignard  he  drew, 

And  plunging  it  deep  in  his  side, 
Like  a  lily  depress'd  with  the  dew, 

He  sunk  on  his  mantle  and  died. 


404  NAVAL    SONG: 


210  LAWRENCE'S  DEATH. 

Columbia's  bold  seamen,  wherever  you  be, 
And  you  that  fight  battles  abroad  on  the  sea, 
Come  flock  round  the  standard,  and  learn  the  sad  fate 
Of  Lawrence,  brave  Lawrence,  whose  death  I'll  relate. 

'Twas  on  board  the  Hornet  he  triumphantly  soar'd, 
The  eagle  of  conquest  had  perch'd  on  his  sword ; 
For  'twas  the  proud  Peacock  to  the  bottom  did  go, 
He  lost  more  in  saving  than  conquering  his  foe. 

All  clad  in  bright  laurel,  to  Boston  he  came, 

Where  the  full  flowing  bumpers  were  drank  to  his 

name, 
With  the  pride  of  this  country  of  sailors,  they  boast 
No  party  or  faction,  but  Lawrence  we'll  toast. 

And  when  from  our  harbour  our  foes  we  did  spy, 
We  then  gave  three  cheers,  vow'd  to  conquer  or  die; 
Then  quickly  weigh'd  anchor,  and  set  sail  away, 
And  alongside  the  Shannon  our  frigate  soon  lay. 

By  the  first  broadside  wounded,  he  firmly  did  stand, 
And  each  gallant  hero  did  await  his  command  ; 
Till  an  ill-fated  ball  pierced  Lawrence's  breast, 
And  sent,  much  lamented,  our  hero  to  rest. 

Our  captain  being  slain,  brave  Ludlow  likewise, 
No  one  to  command  us,  or  yet  to  advise, 
So  our  ship  soon  foul  of  the  Shannon  she  fell, 
We  were  boarded  and  taken,  alas !  I  must  tell. 

But  now  we'll  return  to  brave  Lawrence,  the  slain, 
His  actions  in  history  their  place  shall  retain, 


NAVAL    SONGS.  405 

Though  his  death  from  our  bosoms  shall  wring  a  sad 

tear, 
The  cause  that  we  fight  in  is  lendeT'd  more  dear. 

In  Britain  this  hero  respected  we  find, 
Around  his  sad  bier  they  in  anguish  reclined ; 
His  colours  now  o'er  his  remains  they  bestow, 
Which  will  ne'er  cease  to  remember  that  he  was  their 

foe. 
0,  weep  not,  Columbia,  though  Lawrence  is  slain ; 
Let  us  pattern  by  his  virtues,  and  reverence  his  name ; 
While  a  ship  of  the  ocean  shall  sail  the  salt  sea, 
Like  Lawrence  we'll  die,  or  like  heroes  be  free. 

May  his  soul  on  swift  pinions  to  heaven  ascend, 
And  there  may  bright  angels  his  virtues  attend, 
Wrhere  foes  can  no  longer  approach  or  molest,    . 
All  clad  in  bright  armour  from  Jesus's  breast. 


211  LAWRENCE  THE  BRAVE. 

The  streamers  were  flying,  the  canvass  was  spreading, 

The  banner  of  war  floated  high  in  the  air, 
The  gale  on  its  pinions  to  combat  was  speeding 

The  chief  of  Columbia,  her  glory  in  war; 
Uudaunted  he  stood,  as  the  billows  that  roll'd 

Round  the  barge  that  he  guided  through  ocean's  blue 
wave ; 
His  helqpet  was  honour,  and  fame  nerved  his  soul, 

To  gather  a  prize  worthy  Lawrence  the  brave. 

Columbia's  bright  genius  around  him  was  hovering, 
To  shield  her  beloved  mid  the  carnage  below, 


406  NAVAL    SONGS. 

And  fate,  from  the  impulse  of  valour  recovering-, 
Seized  a  javelin  of  death  and  directed  the  blow. 

Ah !  sad  was  the  hour,  when  she  saw  from  on  high 
The  cross  of  proud  Albion  triumphantly  wave, 

And  bitter  the  moment  she  view'd,  with  a  sigh, 
On  the  deck,  pale  and  lifeless,  laid  Lawrence  the 
brave. 

"Ah!  me,"  she  exclaim'd,  "has  my  hero  descended 

From  glory's  meridian,  the  summit  of  fame? 
Shall  he  who  while  dying  his  country  defended, 

Like  his  form  be  forgotten,  forgotten  his  name!'1 
And  now  for  the  sigh  for  the  kindred  that  bled, 

Shall  water  the  laurel  that  blooms  on  his  grave ; 
They  ceased,  and  in  anguish  she  silently  shed 

The  tear-drop  of  sorrow  for  Lawrence  the  brave. 


212  PERRY'S  VICTORY. 

When  late  Columbia's  patriot  brave 
Sail'd  forth  on  Erie's  tranquil  wave. 
No  hero  yet  had  found  a  grave 

Within  her  watery  cemetry. 

But  soon  that  wave  was  stain'd  with  gore, 
And  soon  did  every  concave  shore 
Re-echo  with  the  dreadful  foar 

Of  thundering  artillery. 

Behold  !  two  hostile  fleets  appear, 
The  eager  shouts  of  battle  hear. 
No  heart  is  there  appall'd  by  fear. 

All  pant  for  glorious  victory. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  407 

His  torch  the  God  of  battles  lights, 
For  naval  glory  Britain  fights, 
For  "  Freedom  and  the  sailor's  rights" 
Columbia  combats  gallantly. 

The  Lawrence's  decks  are  strew'd  with  dead, 
And  many  a  gallant  spirit  fled, 
And  many  a  hero's  nobly  bled, 

To  win  a  wreath  of  victory. 
Alas !  and  can  no  prowess  save 
Our  ship,  a  wreck  upon  the  wave, 
And  snatch  the  corses  of  the  brave 

From  an  impious  conqueror  1 
Ah,  yes  !  that  youth  with  eagle  eye, 
Though  heaps  of  slain  around  him  lie, 
Through  death  and  carnage  will  descry 

The  path  that  leads  to  victory. 
A  soul  like  his  no  danger  fears; 
His  pendant  from  the  mast  he  tears, 
And  in  his  gallant  bosom  bears, 

To  grace  the  bold  Niagara. 

See  !  see  he  quits  the  Lawrence's  side, 
And  trusts  him  to  the  foaming  tide, 
Where  thundering  navies  round  him  ride, 
And  flash  their  red  artillery. 

His  oar  each  sturdy  seaman  plies ; 
He  gains  the  deck !  his  pendant  flies, 
Triumphant  shouts  ascend  the  skies, 

And  rend  the  vaulted  canopy. 

"The  combat  deepens !  on,  ye  brave, 
Who  rush  to  glory  or  the  grave,"' 
Columbia's  rights  upon  the  wave 

Protect  from  proud  Britannia. 


408  NAVAL    SONGS. 


Huzza  !  the  tide  of  battle  turns  ! 
Lo  !  every  hero's  bosom  bums! — 
'Tis  done: — again  Britannia  learns 

To  strike  to  great  Columbia. 

Barclay,  thy  deeds  of  glory  done, 
Thy  laurels  at  Trafalgar  won, 
Shall  now  adorn  our  gallant  son, 

And  signalize  the  victory. 

His  country  shall  with  glory  crown 
His  deeds  of  empire  and  renown, 
And  history  shall  hand  them  down 
To  endless  posterity. 


213  WE'LL  BE  FREE  OX  THE  SEA.— 1812. 

Ye  sons  of  free  Columbia,  whose  fathers  dared  the 

waves, 
The  battle,  and  the  wilderness,  to  shun  the  fate  of 

slaves ; 
Those  rights  they  bled  for  now  maintain,  where'er  a 

wave  can  flow,, 
And  be  free  on  the  sea,  in  despite  of  every  foe, 
Though   tyrants  frown,  and   cannons   roar,  and   the 

raging  tempests  blow. 

High   o'er  her  "  misty  mountain  tops,''  Columbia's 

eagle  soars, 
And  sees  two  mighty  oceans  roll  their  tribute  to  her 

shores ; 
The  Atlantic  and  Pacific  wave  for  us  alike  will  flow. 
We'll  be  free  on  the  sea,  &c. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  409 

Columbus,  first  of  mariners,   to  us   bequeaths    his 

name, 
The  ocean's  first  great  conqueror   assigns  to  us  his 

claim ; 
From  east  to  west,  and  round  the  globe,  where'er  the 

salt  seas  flow, 

We'll  be  free  on  the  sea,  &c. 

High  lift  your  arms,  ye  sturdy  oaks — ye  lofty  pines, 

ascend, 
Till  from  your  hills   our  navy  calls  your  towering 

tops  to  bend ; 
Then  spread  the  canvass  to  the  gale,  and  where  a  wave 

can  flow, 

We'll  be  free  on  the  sea,  &c. 

Columbia's  eagle-flag  shall  fly  all  fearless  o'er  the 

flood: 
To  every  friendly  name  a  dove,  ^to  foes  a  bird  of 

blood. 
Her  stars  shall  blaze  a  sign  of  peace  where'er  a  wave 

may  flow ; 

And  we'll  be  free  on  the  sea,  &c. 


214         THE  HEROES  OF  TRIPOLI. 

Night  and  all  her  sable  brood 
Hung  their  shadows  o'er  the  bay, 

Where,  upon  the  briny  flood, 
Preble's  daring  squadron  lay. 

In  the  bark  across  the  wave, 
See  detach'd  a  warrior-train, 
35 


410  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Somers,  Wads  worth,  Israel  brave, 
To  the  castle  move  amain. 

Heroes  born  to  live  in  story, 

Memory  on  your  deeds  shall  dwell ; 

Blazon'd  with  unfading  glory, 

Freedom's  trophies  you  shall  swell. 

Seen  approaching  by  the  foe, 
"Allah  !"  echoes  from  the  steep, 

Turban'd  millions  rush  below, 
To  o'erwhelm  them  on  the  deep. 

Somers  to  his  dauntless  band 

Loud  exclaims,  with  patriot  flame, 

"  Ere  they  bear  us  to  the  land, 
Let  the  waves  our  corses  claim. 

"Freedom's  meteor-banner  raise, 
Floating  on  the  breeze's  breath, 

In  explosion's  kindling  blaze, 
We  shall  find  a  glorious  death." 

He  spoke :  a  flash  illumes  the  sky. 
Blazing  o'er  the  wondering  flood, 

Turks  in  wild  confusion  lie, 
Staining  ocean  with  their  blood. 

Shrieking  thousands  bow  the  head, 
Hurried  to  a  watery  grave, 

Somers'  band,  by  honour  led, 
Undismay'd  embrace  the  wave. 

Heroes  born  to  live  in  story. 

Memory  on  your  deeds  shall  dwell ; 
Blazon'd  with  unfading  glory, 

Freedom's  trophies  you  shall  swell. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  411 


215  LAWRENCE'S  TID  RE  I. 

Come,  all  you  boys, 

Who  freedom  prize, 
And  join  my  song  in  chorus,  0  ; 

John  Bull's  found  out, 

In  this  last  bout, 
When  Yankees  fight  they  conquer,  0. 

The  Hornet's  might, 

In  glorious  fight, 
We've  proved  upon  the  Peacock,  0 ; 

She  spread  her  sail, 

And  shovv'd  her  tail, 
Which  soon  our  Hornet  tickled,  0. 

"Crowd  all  sail,"  says  our  captain,  "and  if  we 
once  get  alongside  of  her,  we'll  teach  them  common 
blunderers  the  difference  between  the  sons  of  freedom, 
fighting  for  their  country's  rights,  and  the  base  slaves 
of  a  cruel  tyrant."  The  crew  two  by  two,  one  after 
the  other,  gave  nine  cheers,  and  as  if  nothing  at  all 
ailed  them,  kept  singing 

Tid  re  I,  &c. 

Now  to't  we  went, 

With  firm  intent, 
To  do  the  job  genteely,  0, 

Her  union  Jack, 

With  great  eclat, 
They  hoisted  at  her  mizen,  0  ; 

But  soon  our  stripes 

Gave  Jack. the  gripe%, 
Our  stars  they  shone  in  splendour,  0  ; 


412  NAVAL    SONGS. 

While  our  brave  tars, 
Inspired  by  Mars, 
Their  cannon  loud  made  rattle,  0. 

We  soon  came  up  with  her,  and  after  a  long  shot 
or  two,  our  captain  gave  orders  to  bear  down  upon  her, 
and  lay  her  close  alongside.  0,  it  would  have  made 
3rour  heart  glad  to  see  how  neatly  we  fixed  the  business 
for  her,  in  spite  of  their  frequent  cries  of  "  Britons, 
strike  home,  strike  home,"  while  we  kept  playing 
them  a  bit  of  our 

Tid  re  I,  &c. 
The  Peacock's  game 
We  soon  did  tame, 
Each  shot  its  object  answerd,  0, 
Behold  Captain  Peake 
In  death  doth  sleep, 
And  thirty-six  were  wounded,  0  ; 
And  our  brave  crew, 
Who  are  true  blue, 
Now  on  her  starboard  raked  her,  0 ; 
'*  Five  minutes  more, 
Her  flag  shall  lower," 
Exulting  cried  our  captain,  0. 

At  last  down  came  the  British  flag,  and  she  firing  a 
gun  to  leeward,  at  the  same  time  hoisting  her  Jack 
(Union  down)  as  a  signal  of  distress,  this  touched  the 
heart  of  our  brave  captain,  who  ordered  assistance  to 
be  given,  and  on  boarding  her,  found  that  she  was  ;:s 
full  of  holes  as  a  lime  sieve,  and  in  the  act  of  helping 
our  conquered  foe^,  she  filled,  and  down  went  three 
of  our  bravest  tars,  who  notwithstanding  kept  singing 

Tid  reL&c 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

Fill  up  the  glass, 

Round  let  it  pass, 
We'll  drink  long  life  to  Lawrence,  O. 

Likewise  to  those 

Who've  show'd  our  foes 
Columbia's  still  triumphant,  0  ; 

And  when  again 

They  plough  the  main, 
They'll  ne'er  disgrace  their  colours,  0; 

And  Britain's  host, 

Who  throng  our  coast,  % 

They'd  beat  with  half  their  number,  0. 

So  now  while  we  are  safe  at  home,  enjoying  the 
smiles  of  our  wives  and  sweethearts,  in  this  blessed 
land  of  Freedom,  let  us  toast  the  memory  of  those 
brave  fellows  who  have  lost  their  lives  for  "free  trade 
and  sailor's  rights ;"  and  when  we  again  receive  sail- 
ing orders,  we'll  amuse  John  Bull  with  our 

Tid  re  I,  &c. 


216  A  SONG  BY  R.  H.— 1793. 

Tune — "Rule  Britannia." 

When  Britain  first,  impell'd  by  pride, 

Usurp'd  dominion  o'er  the  main, 
Blest  Peace  she  vainly  threw  aside, 
And  gave  her  sons  the  galling  chain. 

View  Britannia,  Britannia  view  the  waves, 
On  wh'ich  thy  darling  sons  are  slaves. 

The  nations  now  more  blest  than  thee 
Shall  see  their  haughty  despots  fall, 

What  time  thy  hapless  fate  shall  be, 
The  scorn  and  pity  of  them  all.      View,  &c. 
35* 


414  nvv 

Thy  haughty ne'er  Bhall 

The  glorious  cause  of  Freedom  down  ; 
His  rage  shall  fan  hi  r  .'.  .me, 

And  work  thy  woes  and  her  renown.     View,  &e. 
Thee  best  becomes  the  contrite  strain, 

For  cities  drench'd  with  human  gore, 
For  crimes  which  tinge  the  orient  main, 

And  banish  peace  from  Afrit's  shore.     View,  &c. 
The  muses,  still  with  Freedom  found, 

Shall  from  thy  venal  court  repair, 
To  sing  on  Gallia's  freer  ground, 

Or  breathe  Columbia's  purer  air.  Vie- 


217  HUZZA  FOR  DECATUR. 

Tune—"  The  Constellation." 

Columbians,  strike  the  enlivening  strain, 
To  cheer  the  hero  home  again, 
Cover'd  with  laurels  from  the  main, 

Huzza  for  the  brave  Decatur. 
He  met  the  foeman  on  the  \va     . 
He  taught  the  skilful  and  the  brave, 
How  well  the  tars, 
Unused  to  wars, 
Could  shine  amidst  the  din  of  battle, 
And  while  the  glorious  cannons  rattle, 

Huzza  for  the  brave  Decatur. 

Brave  was  the  Macedonian's  crew, 

The  captain  he  was  valiant 

And  every  heart  was  brave  and  true, 

When  they  met  the  bold  Decatur: 
And  while  the  glorious  cannon's  train 
Rp-pfhct^A  o'er  the  distant  main. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  415 

The  Britons,  proud, 

Exclaim'd  aloud, 
"  See,  see,  we've  fired  the  foeman's  side ;" 
But  still  our  gallant  tars  replied, 

Huzza  for  the  brave  Decatur. 
The  battle's  fury  soon  is  o'er, 
The  vivid  lightnings  gleam  no  more, 
And  silent  is  the  cannon's  roar, 

Huzza  for  the  brave  Decatur. 
In  streams  of  blood  their  flag  descends, 
His  race  full  many  a  Briton  ends  ; 

Our  planks  are  tight, 

Our  vessel's  right, 
And  every  sailor  at  his  post, 
Exclaims,  in  joy  and  wonder  lost, 
Huzza  for  the  brave  Decatur. 


218        SARATOGA  AND  MORGTANA. 

Come,  banish  all  your  pretty  jars, 
And  shout  your  joy  in  loud  huzzas, 
In  honour  of  Columbia's  tars, 

Whose  valour  ne'er  shall  fail  her ; 
Let  echo  answer  to  the  strain, 
And  pass  the  tidings  o'er  the  main, 
That  British  pride, 
Which  we  deride, 
Again  is  humbled  on  the  tide, 

By  Freedom's  gallant  sailor. 
Once  Saratoga  swell'd  the  song, 
As  Britain  will  remember  long, 
Burgoyne,  with  seven  thousand  strong, 

In  ficrht  could  not  avail  her : 


416  NAVAL   B01 

Now  Saratoga,  on  the  main, 

Has  shown  that  Britain's  claim  is  vain, 

To  rule  the  sea, 

By  nature  free, 
'Tis  what  shall  never,  never  be, 
Says  every  Yankee  sailor. 

This  Saratoga,  you  shall  hear, 

Was  fitted  out  a  privateer, 

And  mann'd  by  tars  unknown  to  fear, 

From  danger  never  paler; 
To  die  or  conquer  all  agreed, 
Each  gallant  tar  prepared  to  bleed, 
To  nobly  die, 
But  never  fly, 
While  George's  cross  was  waving  high  ; 

'Twas  like  a  Yankee  sailor. 

They  hoisted  sail,  and  cruised  afar, 
To  aid  their  country  in  the  war, 
And  many  a  valiant  British  tar, 

Has  reason  to  bewail  her; 
They  fought  and  captured  all  they  met ; 
While  Britons  vainly  fume  and  fret, 
Each  gallant  prize, 
In  safety  lies, 
While  far  to  sea  for  more  shs  Mies, 

To  enrich  a  Yankee  sailor. 

At  length  they  espy  a  worthier  mark. 
To  try  their  little  gallant  bark — 
Behold  a  ship  of  war!  and  hark  ! 

They  arrogantly  hail  her ! 
The  Saratoga  <juiek  replies, 
In  language  that  astounds  the  skies, 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

While  Freedom's  sons, 
Still  serve  their  guns, 
Till,  call'd  "  away,"  each  boarder  runs, 
And  each  a  Yankee  sailor. 

The  foe  has  eighteen  guns  or  more, 

The  Saratoga  only  four ; 

Away !  my  lads,  and  board  once  more. 

And  fiercer  still  assail  her. 
Huzza,  huzza,  boys  !  see  she  strikes  ! 
Now  board  your  prize  without  your  pikes, 
And  secure  those 
No  longer  foes, 
When  generous  blood  in  duty  flows, 

And  save  a  brother  sailor. 


219   THE  BUDGET  OF  BLUNDERS. 

There  budgets  are  of  every  Jand, 

Of  lawyers,  rogues,  and  wonders, 
The  budget  that  I'll  sing,  you'll  find 
The  budget  full  of  blunders. 
Yankee  doodle  to't  we  go, 

Words  we  scorn  so  handy, 
To  serve  a  friend  or  fight  a  foe, 
Our  tars  they  are  the  dandy. 

John  Bull  our  seamen  thought  to  make 

Immediately  knock  under, 
Swore  every  frigate  soon  he'd  take — 

0  !  Johnny,  what  a  blunder. 

Yankee  doodle,  &c. 


418  NAVAL    SONGS. 

The  Constitution  Daeres  thought 

He'd  capture  and  be  merrier: 
A  blunder  that  he  dearly  bought, — 

For  why] — She  took  the  Guerriere. 

Yankee  doodle,  kc. 

Proud  Whynates  thought  he'd  surely  pound 

Our  navy  melancholic, 
Till,  meeting  with  a  Wasp,  he  found 

A  blunder  in  his  Frolic. 

Yankee  doodle,  kc. 

The  Macedonian  hoped  so  wield 

Successfully  her  thunder: 
And  make  our  bold  Decatur  yield, — 

0  !  Careen,  what  a  blunder. 

Yankee  doodle,  kc. 

The  Java  wish'd  and  soon  did  meet, 

While  cutting  seas  asunder, 
A  frigate  of  the  Yankee  fleet, 

And  made  a  woful  blunder. 

Yankee  doodle,  kc. 

Our  navy,  thus  the  boast  of  Fame, 
John  Bull  still  strove  to  scorn  it, 

Until  his  strutting  Peacock  came, 
And  blunder1  d  on  a  Hornet. 

Yankee  doodle,  kc. 

The  British  Blythe  vauntingly  said, 
"The  Yankees  shall  knock  under," 

And  nail'd  the  flag  to  the  mast-head — 
An  Enterprising  blunder. 

Yankee  doodle,  kc. 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

The  Britons  they  did  vainly  boast, 
They'd  have  command  of  Erie, 

But  soon  they  found  a  Yankee  host 
When  blundering  on  our  Perry, 
,  Yankee  doodle,  &c. 

Now  still  may  distant  nations  see 

Our  seamen  doing  wonders : 
And  Britain's  naval  records  be 

A  budget  still  of  blunders. 

Yankee  doodle,  &c. 


220  NEW  YANKEE  DOODLE. 

The  British  long  have  ruled  the  seas, 

With  haughty  gasconading, 
And  chanting  songs,  their  feats  to  praise, 
While  others  they're  degrading. 
Yankee  doodle,  fire  away, 

Cannon  loud  as  thunder  ; 
For  brave  Decatur,  Jones,  and  Hull 
Make  Johnny  Bull  knock  under. 
Now  we  can  sing,  and  chant  likewise, 

Of  Yankee  skill  in  fighting; 
Behold  Decatur  with  his  prize, 
Bold  Britons  now  are  striking. 

Yankee  doodle,  &c 
The  British  thought  we  had  not  spunk 

To  try  them  on  the  ocean  ; 
But  since  we've  took,  and  burnt,  and  sunk, 
They've  got  another  notion. 

Yankee  doodle,  &c. 


420  NAVAL    SONGS. 

They'll  find  they've  not  Monsieur  to  meet, 

But  Yankee  boys  of  mettle: 
Who  will  their  measures  all  defeat, 

Unless  they  shortly  settle. 

Yankee  doodle,  &c. 

To  press  our  men  they  claim  the  right ; 

But,  blast  their  imposition  ! 
We'll  let  the  rascals  know  we'll  fight 

In  preference  to  submission. 

Yankee  doodle,  &c. 

Huzza,  my  boys,  we'll  fight  away, 

Until  they  cry  peccavi ; 
Or,  with  our  well-aim'd  Yankee  play, 
Soon  send  them  to  old  Davy. 
Yankee  doodle,  crack  away, 

With  cannon  loud  as  thunder; 
Our  Yankee  boys  will  show  them  play, 
Till  Johnny  Bull  knocks  under. 


221  A  BALLAD. 

BV  ALONZO  LEWIS. 

The  loud  wind  roar'd,  and  fast  the  rain 

Descended  from  on  high, 
The  angry  billows  rush'd  amain, 

And  darkness  veil'd  the  sky. 
Young  Theodore,  oppress'd  with  grief. 

And  sighing  to  be  free, 
Was  seated  on  a  rocky  cliff 

That  overlook'd  the  sea. 


NAVAL   SONGS. 

And  far  above  the  sandy  beach 
That  stretch'd  beneath  his  eye, 

The  white  sea-gull  was  heard  to  screech, 
While  soaring  round  on  high. 

His  Delia  once  was  fair  and  gay, 

Her  lovely  soul  benign, 
But  death  had  snatch'd  the  maid  away, 

And  left  him  to  repine. 

"  Ye  torrents  pour,  ye  billows  dash, 
Ye  loud  winds  roar  !"  he  cried  ; 

"  And  faster  still,  ye  lightnings,  flash, 
And  spread  your  horrors  wide  !" 

Such  sinful  words  he  spake — O  Christ ! 

That  such  a  thing  should  be ! 
That  youth  should  turn  aside  to  vice, 

And  lose  its  hope  in  thee  ! 

The  waves  grew  wild,  the  night  more  dark, 

And  louder  shriek'd  the  bird  ; 
While  frequent  from  an  unseen  bark 

The  minute-gun  was  heard. 

Reclining  on  his  rocky  bed, 

He  shuts  his  weary  eyes  ; 
Hoarse  thunder  rumbles  o'er  his  head, 

And  sheeted  lightning  flies. 

The  spirit  of  the  night  raved  loud ; 

He  waked  with  stifled  breath  ; 
A  bolt  shot  from  the  impending  cloud, 

And  seal'd  his  eyes  in  death. 
36 


421 


422  NAVAL    SONGS. 

222  MACDONOUGH'S  VICTORY. 

0,  freemen  !  raise  a  joyous  strain  ! 

Aloft  the  eagle  towers; 
"  We've  met  the  enemy"  again — 

Again  have  made  them  "ours!"' 

Champlain!  the  cannon's  thundering  voice 

Proclaims  thy  waters  free, 
Thy  forest-waving  hills  rejoice, 

And  echo — Victory! 

The  striped  flag  upon  thy  wave 

Triumphantly  appears, 
And  to  invested  landmen,  brave 

A  star  of  promise  bears. 

Now  to  the  world  Fame's  trumpet  sounds 
The  deed  with  new  applause; 

While  from  a  conquer'd  fleet  resounds 
Our  seamen's  loud  huzzas  ! 

Britannia,  round  thy  haggard  brows 

Bind  bitter  wormwood  still ; 
For  lo  !  again  thy  standard  bows 

To  valiant  Yankee  skill. 

But,  0  !  what  chaplet  can  be  found 
Macdonough's  brows  to  grace  1 

"'Tis  done!"  the  glorious  wreath  i6  bound. 
Which  time  can  ne'er  efface  ! 

And  still  a  just — a  rich  reward, 

His  country  has  to  give; 
He  shall  be  first  in  her  regard, 

And  with  her  Perry  live  ! 


NAVAL    SONGS.  423 

Columbia!  though  thy  cannon's  roar 

On  inland  seas  prevail, 
And  there  alone — while  round  each  shore 

Outnumbering  ships  assail — 
Yet  deed  with  deed,  and  name  with  name, 

Thy  gallant  sons  shall  blend, 
Till  the  bright  arch  of  naval  fame 

O'er  the  broad  ocean  bend  ! 


223  IMPROMPTU, 

On  the  capture  of  the  Epervier  by  the  Peacock. 

Rare  birds,  'tis  said,  are  seldom  best, 
But  those  who  feather  well  their  nest 

Are  much  esteem'd  for  gain,  sir ; 
And  Warrington  has  lately  said 
The  *Sparrow-hawk  with  specie  fed, 

The  Peacock  won't  disdain,  sir. 
The  English  goose  before  it  dies 
Is  stuff 'd  with  milk  and  bread  in  sties, 

To  feast  their  palates  sweet,  sir, 
But  give  a  Yankee  tar  a  hawk, 
He  wants  no  carving  knife  or  fork 

To  find  the  parts  to  eat,  sir. 
Let  Johnny  Bull  the  poultry  feed, 
And  fill  his  hawks  of  English  breed 

With  gold  and  silver  dust,  sir, 
And  he  will  find  the  Yankee  tar 
With  hungry  stomach  always  near, 

And  willingly  his  guest,  sir. 

*  Epervier,  the  French  for  Sparrow-hawk. 


424  .NAVAL    SONGS. 


224  IMPROMPTU, 

On  the  capture  of  the  Guerriere. 

Hark,  hark!  e'er  ocean's  subject  wave, 

Wafted  by  the  enamour'd  gale, 
The  loud  chorus  of  the  brave, 

"  Columbia's  sons  prevail." 
List!  you'll  hear  our  hero's  voice, 

Courage  breathes  in  every  breath, — 
Hull !  who  gives  the  only  choice, 

"  Instant  victory  or  death." 
"Rush  like  lightning  on  the  foe; 

Gall  them  with  incessant  fire  ; 
Board  and  conquer  at  a  blow, 

Board  and  conquer,  or  expire." 
Loud  and  louder  peals  the  roar, 

Swift  and  certain  is  their  aim  ; 
The  ocean's  red  with  gallant  gore ; 

High  it  blazons  with  their  fame. 
Hush !  a  freeman's  dying  groan ! 

Be  the  flag  a  moment  furl'd, 
But  valour  ne'er  is  overthrown — 

He's  immortal  in  each  world. 
Warriors !  smile  upon  your  wounds  ! 

See  our  Morris  fight  and  bleed  ; 
Your  applauding  country  sounds, 

"  Love  and  glory  are  your  meed." 
Shout  the  British  lion's  fall ! 

Shout !  the  Btar-fiag  streams  along  ! 
Mercy  !  is  the  Briton's  call. 

Victory  !  Columbia's  song. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  425 


225  BAINBRIDGE'S  TID  RE  I. 

Come,  lads,  draw  near, 

And  you  shall  hear, 
In  truth  as  chaste  as  Dian,  0  ! 

How  Bainbridge  true, 

And  his  bold  crew, 
Again  have  tamed  the  lion,  0  ! 

Twas  off  Brazil, 

He  got  the  pill, 
Which  made  him  cry  peccavi,  O  : 

But  hours  two 

The  Java  new, 
Maintain'd  the  battle  bravely,  0  : 

But  our  gallant  Yankee  tars,  as  soon  as  they  were 
piped  to  quarters,  gave  three  cheers,  and  boldly  swore, 
by  the  blood  of  the  heroes  of  Tripoli,  that  sooner  than 
strike,  they'd  go  to  the  bottom  singing 

Tid  re  I,  &c. 

Now  Johnny  Bull, 

All  canvass  full, 
Bore  down  upon  us  cheerly,  0  : 

While  we  kept  snug, 

As  bug  in  rug, 
Till  half  gun-shot,  or  nearly,  0  : 

We  show'd  our  stripes, 

Gave  John  the  gripes, 
They  sent  him  pills  in  plenty,  0  ; 

Which  dosed  him  well, 

As  he  can  tell, 
Our  doctors  all  being  ready,  0. 
36* 


426  NAVAL    SONGS. 

0  !  it  would  have  done  your  heart  good  to  have  seen 
how  nimbly  our  little  spitfires  were  set  to  work,  and 
what  a  dust  they  kicked  up  in  poor  Johnny's  quarters. 
We  could  soon  observe  how  the  matter  would  turn  out. 
"  Stick  to  them,  my  boys !"  says  the  commodore. 
••Huzza!"  sung  out  the  crew:  "we'll  conquer  or 
die!"  For  every  soul  on  board,  even  down  to  the 
smallest  powder  monkey,  was  determined  to  give  them 
a  complete  bit  of  a 

Tid  re  I,  &c. 
Now  close  engaged, 
The  battle  raged, 
Both  being  tough  as  hickory,  0  ! 
But  still  we  swore 
We'd  ne'er  give  o'er 
Till  we  had  gain'd  the  victory,  0  ! 
Round  shot  and  bars 
Soon  cut  her  spars, 
And  well  we  slash'd  her  rigging,  0 ! 
Xul  after  mil, 
We  plugg'd  her  hull, 
Her  bowsprit,  too,  went  jigging,  0  ! 

0  !  swamp  it,  if  you  had  only  seen  how  we  plumped 
her  between  wind  and  water,  and  how  our  grape-shot 
rattled  in  at  her  port-holes,  while  her  yards  flew  about 
their  ears  like  straws  in  a  high  wind.  We  soon  saw 
they  were  in  a  nation  fluster,  while  our  Yankee  boys 
kept  cool  and  steady,  still  bravely  keeping  up  their 

Tid  re  I,  &c. 

One  hour  was  past, 

When  now  a  mast 

Close  by  the  board  went  over,  0  ! 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

Our  gunner  cries. 

"My  jolly  boys, 
Escape  us  now  she'll  never,  0 : 

Point  well  each  gun, 

We'll  show  them  fun, 
Her  ensign  down  she  soon  will  haul ; 

We'll  give  them  play, 

This  glorious  day, 
Shall  make  them  quick  for  quarter  call." 

So  at  it  we  struck,  pell  mell,  like  good  fellows,  and 
we  made  such  a  nation  clatter  with  them  swamping 
guns,  that  we  could  hardly  hear  any  thing  for  the  rot- 
ten noise,  but  our  gunner  watched  her  close  and  touched 
off  our  Yankee  barkers  so  neatly  in  time,  that  slap 
dab  every  shot  struck  her  somewhere,  which  soon 
made  them  feel  that  Yankee  tars  knew  very  well  how 
to  pay  them  a 

Tid  re  I,  &c. 

We  plied  her  well, 

At  every  swell, 
And  fast  her  men  were  killing,  0  ! 

And  though  so  fast 

Went  every  mast, 
To  strike  she  seem'd  not  willing,  0  ! 

But  to  her  cost, 

She  found  at  last, 
To  longer  fight  us  wouldn't  do  ; 

For  Yankee  tars, 

Who  knew  no  fears, 
To  conquer  now  she  couldn't,  0  ! 

So  when  the  firing  ceased  on  both  sides,  we  had 


428  NAVAL    dbi 

time  to  look  about  us,  but  we  could  hardly  believe  our 
eyes,  for  she  lay  like  a  log  upon  the  water ;  there  was 
not  a  stump  standing  higher  than  the  pump  in  father's 
schooner,  and  her  sides  looked  for  all  the  world  like 
mother's  cullender,  so  completely  had  we  peppered  her. 
So  to  work  went  the  boats,  and  aboard  came  the  pri- 
soners ;  then  the  commodore  gave  orders  to  burn  the 
prize;  for  says  he,  "My  brave  boys,  any  attempt  to 
tow  her  into  port  would  be  all  a 

Tid  re  I,"  &c. 

So  now,  my  hearts, 

We've  play'd  our  parts, 
Proud  John  once  more  we've  humbled,  0  ! 

It  may  be  said, 

A  Bull  he  made 
On  Yankees  when  he  stumbled,  0  ! 

We'll  let  him  see 

We'll  still  be  free, 
In  spite  of  all  his  boasting,  0  ! 

And  if  he  comes 

To  run  his  hums, 
We'll  give  proud  John  a  roasting,  0  ! 

So  now,  my  lads,  fill  up  the  cans,  to  the  health  of  all 
our  brave  commanders ;  and  while  we  remember  with 
pride  the  glorious  victories  we  have  gained,  let  us  be 
resolved,  one  and  all,  still  to  maintain  the  honour  of 
our  flag,  and  Johnny  Bull  will  soon  find  that  any  at- 
tempt to  conquer  a  nation  of  freemen  will  be  all  a 

Tid  re  I,  &c. 


NAVAL    SONGS,  429 


226  OLD  QUEEN  CHAELOTTE. 

Tune — "  St.  Patrick's  day  in  the  morning." 

As  old  Queen  Charlotte — a  worthless  old  varlet, 

Our  brave  noble  forces  was  scorning, 
She  wished  to  be  merry,  and  call'd  for  some  Perry, 

September  the  tenth  in  the  morning; 
When  brisk  Perry  came  she  found  him  true  game, 

To  her  cost  too  he  gave  her  a  warning, 
So  let  her  be  merry  and  remember  Perry, 

September  the  tenth  in  the  morning. 

It  was  on  Lake  Erie — when  all  hands  were  cheery, 

A  fleet  was  descried  in  the  morning. 
'Twas  Queen  Charlotte's  fleet,  so  handsome  and  neat, 

In  a  bold  line  of  battle  were  forming; 
But  when  evening  came— though  the  fleet  were  the 
same, 

That  our  brave  noble  forces  were  scorning, 
They  were  beat  so  complete,  that  they  yielded  the 
fleet 

To  the  one  they  despised  in  the  morning. 

Now  let  us  remember  the  tenth  of  September, 

When  Yankees  gave  Britons  a  warning, 
When  our  foes  on  Lake  Erie  were  beaten  and  weary, 

So  full  of  conceit  in  the  morning. 
To  the  skilful  and  brave,  who  our  country  did  save, 

Our  gratitude  ought  to  be  warming, 
So  let  us  be  merry  in  toasting  of  Perry 

September  the  tenth  in  the  morning. 


430 


227  DEATH  OF  ALLEN. 

BV    WILLIAM    LEGGETT. 

Multis  ilie  bonis  flebilis  occidit, 
Nulli  flebilior  quam  mibi. — Horace. 

And  on  the  wave,  Columbia's  hardy  hand, 

Who've  shed  such  glory  round  our  native  land ; 

Who've  borne  her  banner  through  the  storms  of  war, 

Undimm'd,  unsullied,  to  each  foreign  shore; 

Before  the  lustre  of  whose  starry  light 

Britannia's  lion  tied  approach  of  fight ; 

That  band  now  mourns  o'er  many  a  spirit  brave, 

By  fell  disease  hurl'd  to  an  early  grave. 

Their  duty  call'd  them  from  the  charms  of  home, 

Against,  the  ruffians  on  the  wave  to  roam  : 

At  length  returning  towards  their  native  sky, 

Hope  in  each  heart,  and  pleasure  in  each  i 

The  yellow  demon  seal'd  their  timeless  doom  ; 

They  reach'd  their  country — but  to  find  a  tomb  ! 

But,  Allen,  thou  !     O  !  at  thy  honour'd  name. 
The  muse,  indignant,  mounts  on  wings  of  flame ! 
So  young,  so  brave — so  vainly  brave !  to  fall 
By  the  foul  fiends  who  war  alike  on  all ! 
Who  youth,  nor  age,  nor  sex,  nor  beauty  save, 
Mock  at  their  plaints,  and  plunge  them  in  the  wave  ! 
The  helpless  babe  and  shrieking  mother  feel 
Alike  the  keenness  of  the  murderous  steel ! 
Or,  when  they  spare,  'tis  with  intent  so  base, 
Their  death  were  better  than  the  deep  disgrace. 

Spirit  of  vengeance  !   wherefore  dost  thou  sleep  ? 
Arise !  and  scourge  these  hell-hounds  from  the  deep  ! 


NAVAL    SONGS.  431 

From  the  far  grave  where  murder'd  Allen  lies, 
Revenge !  revenge !  his  shade  incessant  cries. 

The  breeze  was  fair  that  bore  him  on  his  way  ; 
"  And  hope  was  o'er  him  with  her  angel  lay :" 
The  moon  was  up ;  and  o'er  the  heaving  main 
Beam'd  sweetly  down  from  heaven's  unclouded  plain ; 
And  while  his  bark  swift  cleaved  the  sparkling  tide, 
His  thoughts  were  wandering  by  the  Hudson's  side; 
His  distant  home  in  memory's  softest  hue, 
His  mother — sisters — rise  to  fancy's  view ; 
His    heart  beats  high;    "Thou'lt  meet  them   soon 

again !" 
'Twas  thus  hope  sung ;  but,  ah !  how  false  the  strain ! 

He  hears  of  outrage  done  by  ruffian  hordes, 
Whose  savage  hearts  are  harder  than  their  swords. 
At  suffering's  cry  he  ne'er  was  knowrn  to  wave  ; 
His  hand  was  ready,  and  his  soul  was  brave! 
He  meets  the  foe ;  he  conquers  ! — 0,  the  rest ! — 
The  fatal  bullet  lodges  in  his  breast ; 
He  falls!  as  crimson  life  gush'd  out,  he  cried, 
"Tell  thern  I  bravely  fought,  and  bravely  died." 

Mother  of  Allen !  weep  not  for  your  son  ! 
His  race  was  glorious,  but  too  soon  'twas  run  ! 
Yet  weep  not !     Vengeance  sleeps,  she  is  not  dead ; 
She  yet  will  thunder  on  his  murderer's  head. 
Sisters  of  Allen !  dry  your  tearful  eyes ; 
The  hero's  soul  hath  flown  to  yonder  skies  ; 
And  long  his  name,  in  memory's  holiest  shrine, 
Will  wear  the  wreath  which  matchless  virtues  twine  ! 


432  N  LVAX   SONGS. 


228  THE  MIDSHIPMAN. 

I'm  here  or  there  a  jolly  dog, 

At  land  or  sea  I'm  all  agog 

To  fight,  or  kiss,  or  touch  the  grog, 

For  I'm  a  jovial  midshipman, 

A  smart,  young  midshipman, 

A  little,  airy  midshipman  : 
To  fight,  or  kiss,  or  touch  the  grog, 

0,  I'm  a  jovial  midshipman. 

My  honour's  free  from  stain  or  speck, 
The  foremast  men  are  at  my  beck, 
"With  pride  I  walk  the  quarter-deck, 

For  I'm  a  smart,  young  midshipman,  &c 
I  mix  the  pudding  for  our  mess, 
In  uniform  then  neatly  dress, 
The  captain  asks,  no  need  to  press, 

"  Come  dine  with  me,  young  midshipman,"  &c. 
When  gallant  Perry  comes  on  board, 
By  all  Columbia's  sons  adored, 
From  him  I  sometimes  pass  the  word, 

Though  I'm  an  humble  midshipman,  &c. 


229  A  SONG  AT  SEA. 

BY    WILLIAM    LEGGETT. 

Our  sails  are  spread  before  the  wind. 
And  onward,  onward  swift  we  lly ; 

We've  left  our  country  far  behind, 
No  prospect  now  invites  the  eye, 
Save  the  blue  sea  and  cloudless  sky. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  433 

0  when  I  waved  my  last  good-bye 

To  parents,  friends,  and  Mary  dear, 
It  was  not  fear  that  dimm'd  mine  eye  ; 

This  heart  ne'er  felt  a  thrill  of  fear  ; 

It  was  affection  caused  the  tear. 
And  while  upon  the  heaving-  main, 

Our  vessel  dashes  proudly  on, 
To  meet  those  well-loved  friends  again, 

With  wealth  and  honours  bravely  won, 

That  is  the  hope  I  live  upon. 
But  should  some  cannon,  pointed  true, 

Destroy  these  soothing  dreams  of  glory, 
Affection's  tears  my  grave  will  dew, 

And  Mary,  when  she  hears  my  story, 

Will  shed  love's  holiest  tribute  o'er  me. 


230  OUR  NAVY. 

Tune—"  Hail  Liberty." 

On  wings  of  glory  swift  as  light, 

The  sound  of  battle  came, 
The  gallant  Hull  in  glorious  fight 
Has  won  the  wreath  of  fame. 
Let  brave  Columbia's  noble  band 

With  hearts  united  rise, 
Swear  to  protect  their  native  land, 
Till  sacred  freedom  dies. 

Let  brave  Decatur's  dauntless  breast 

With  patriot  ardour  glow, 
And,  in  the  garb  of  victory  diess'd, 
Triumphant  blast  the  foe. 

Let  brave  Columbia's,  &c. 
37 


t34  NAVAL    SONGS. 

And  Rogers  with  his  gallant  crew 

O'er  the  wide  ocean  ride, 
To  prove  their  loyal  spirit  true 

And  crush  old  Albion's  pride. 

Let  brave  Columbia's,  &c. 
Then  hail  another  Guerriere  there, 

With  roaring  broadsides,  hail, 
And  while  the  thunder  rends  the  air, 

See  Britain's  sons  turn  pale. 

Let  brave  Columbia's,  &c. 
"The  day  is  ours,  my  boys,  huzza!" 

The  great  commander  cries, 
While  all,  responsive,  roar,  "Huzza!" 

With  pleasure-sparkling  eyes. 

Let  brave  Columbia's,  <S:c. 
Thus  shall  Columbia's  fame  be  spread, 

Her  heaven-born  eagle  soar, 
Her  deeds  of  glory  shall  be  read 

When  tyrants  are  no  more. 

Let  brave  Columbia's,  &c. 


231  A  NEW  SONG. 

Tune — "  Yankee  doodle." 

Ye  gallant  sons  of  Liberty, 

Who  bravely  have  defended 
Your  country's  rights  by  land  and  sea, 
And  to  her  cause  attended. 
With  Yankee  doodle  doo, 

Yankee  doodle  dandy, 
Our  tars  will  show  the  haughty  foe, 
Columbia's  sons  are  handy. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  435 

Upon  the  ocean's  wide  domain, 

Our  tars  are  firm  and  true,  sirs, 
And  freedom's  cause  they  will  maintain, 

With  Yankee  doodle  doo,  sirs. 

Yankee  doodle,  &c. 

The  fourth  day  of  July,  'tis  said, 

That  day  will  Britain  rue,  sirs, 
When  an  independent  tune  we  play'd, 

Call'd  Yankee  doodle  doo,  sirs. 

Yankee  doodle,  &c. 

Columbia's  sons  did  then  declare 

They  would  be  independent, 
And  for  King  George  they  would  not  care, 

Nor  yet  for  his  descendant. 

Yankee  doodle,  &c. 

For  the  prince-regent  thought  he'd  sent 

A  fleet  to  take  our  few,  sirs, 
But  when  to  sea  our  sailors  went, 

They  play'd  'em  Yankee  doodle  doo,  sirs. 
Yankee  doodle,  &c. 

First  bold  Hull  the  Guerriere  met, 

And  'twas  a  glorious  day,  sirs; 
Cried  Dacres,  "  Give  them,  boys,  a  sweat, 

And  show  them  British  play,  sirs." 

Yankee  doodle,  &c. 

But  Hull  that  story  did  not  like, 
So  return'd  them  shots  a  few,  sirs, 

Which  caused  the  British  flag  to  strike 
To  Yankee  doodle  doo,  sirs. 

Yankee  doodle,  &c. 


436  NAVAL    SOXGS. 

Now  next  bold  Jones  a  Frolic  took, 

Upon  the  ocean  too,  sirs ; 
Lord,  how  the  British  flag  he  shook, 

To  Yankee  doodle  doo,  sirs. 

Yankee  doodle,  &c. 

For  Jones  so  smart  a  tune  did  play, 

That  it  made  the  British  sing-,  sirs, 
And  Whinyates  to  his  men  did  say, 

*  Damn'd  hard  that  Wasp  does  sting,  sirs." 
Yankee  doodle,  &c. 

Sure  Whinyates  thought  our  gallant  Jones 

Could  take  a  Frolic  too,  sirs, 
But  soon  he  struck  his  marrow-bones 

To  Yankee  doodle  doo,  sirs. 

Yankee  doodle,  &e. 

'Twas  next  the  Macedonian  met 

Brave  Commodore  Decatur, 
"  A  Yankee  ship,"  cried  he,  "I'll  bet, — 

Prepare,  my  boys,  to  take  her." 

Yankee  doodle,  &c. 

For  Carden  thought  he  had  us  tight, 

Just  so  did  Dacres  too,  sirs, 
But  brave  Decatur  put  him  right. 

With  Yankee  doodle  doo,  sirs. 

Yankee  doodle,  &c 

They  thought  they  saw  our  ship  on  flame, 
Which  made  them  all  huzza,  sirs. 

But  when  the  second  broadside  came, 
It  made  them  hold  their  jaws,  sirs. 

Yankee  doodle,  &c. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  437 

British  tars  think  that  they  can 

Whip  Yankees  one  to  two,  sirs  ; 
Bat  only  give  us  man  for  man, 

They'll  see  what  we  can  do,  sirs. 

Yankee  doodle,  &c. 

Our  tars  do  care  no  more  for  France 

Than  Britain,  is  most  true,  sirs, 
And  can  make  any  nation  dance 

To  Yankee  doodle  doo,  sirs. 

Yankee  doodle,  &c. 

Now  here's  a  health  to  valiant  Hull, 

Jones  and  Decatur  too,  sirs, 
And  we'll  include  brave  Bainbridge  too, 

Sing1  Yankee  doodle  doo,  sirs. 

Yankee  doodle,  &c. 


232  A  NEW  SONG, 

On  Commodore  Perry's  victory. 
Tune—"  The  Constellation." 

Come,  all  you  lads  of  courage  bold, 
A  story  true  as  e'er  was  told 
To  your  attention  I'll  unfold, 

'Tis  of  the  Niagara ; 
Of  cannons  rattling  round  the  shore — 
Of  heroes  weltering  in  their  gore — 
Of  widows,  orphans  grieving  sore, 
Where  grape  and  ball 
In  showers  did  fall, 
And  many  a  valuable  tar  did  fall 
In  the  battle  of  Lake  Erie. 
37* 


438  NAVAL    SONGS. 

September  the  tenth,  full  well  I  ween, 
In  eighteen  hundred  and  thirteen, 
The  weather  mild,  the  sky  serene, 

Commanded  by  bold  Perry. 
Our  saucy  fleet  at  anchor  lay, 
In  safety  moor'd  at  Put-in-bay ; 
'Twixt  sunrise  and  the  break  of  day, 
The  British  fleet 
We  chanced  to  meet, 
Our  admiral  thought  he  would  them  greet 

With  a  welcome  on  Lake  Erie. 

Our  boatswains  piped  their  crews  with  speed, 
Of  souls  who  never  fear'd  to  bleed 
Or  die  to  see  their  country  freed — 

Of  British  thraldom  weary: 
Our  Yankee  boys  were  wide  awake, 
All  eager,  for  their  freedom's  sake, 
To  gain  the  title  of  the  lake, 

From  those  base  slaves, 
Who  dyed  the  waves 
Of  ocean  with  their  brothers'  graves, 

Of  those  who  fought  on  Erie. 

'Twas  nearly  grog-time  of  the  day, 
Our  fleet  bore  up  and  put  away, 
The  Lawrence  cheerly  led  the  way. 

Commanded  by  brave  Perry; 
She  first  sustain'd  the  dreadful  shock, 
Till  useless  as  a  floating  log, 
Each  brace  and  bowling,  stay  and  block, 
Were  shot  away, 
No  gun  could  play, — 
Till  all  her  crew  but  nine  that  day 

Were  slain  upon  Lake  Erie. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  439 

Brave  Elliott  sped  to  our  relief, 
And  took  on  board  our  gallant  chief, 
Nor  did  we  take  a  single  reef 

On  board  the  Niagara. 
The  children  yet  unborn  will  say, 
There  ne'er  was  fought  a  greater  day, 
On  ocean's  bosom,  lake,  or  sea. 

Our  Yankee  shot 

Were  play'd  so  hot, 
That  now  a  rag  those  brags  have  not 
To  hoist  upon  Lake  Erie. 

Huzza,  my  friends!  the  can,  boys,  bring; 
The  fight  is  o'er,  let's  drink  and  sing; 
To  Madison  the  toast  shall  ring, 

And  also  El  bridge  Gerry. 
Long  live  the  Congress  and  our  laws, 
And  those  who,  hearty  in  the  cause, 
Have  lent  a  hand,  without  a  pause, 

To  crush  our  foes ; 

Who  still  oppose 
Our  rights  where  nations'  highway  flows, 
As  well  as  on  Lake  Erie. 

The  memory  of  the  brave  let's  toast, 
Who  clear'd  the  long  disputed  coast, 
And  left  us  free  to  rule  the  roast 

Of  celebrated  Erie. 
Let  Perry's  name,  with  loud  applause, 
Be  sounded  far  beyond  the  stars  ; 
For  he  who  rules  the  fate  of  wars, 

This  great  design, 

That  Power  Divine, 
In  agency  he  did  consign 

To  brave  and  gallant  Perry. 


440  NAVAL    SUNOS. 

233  COLUMBIA  VICTORIOUS. 

Tune — "  .Inacrcon  in  Atartn." 

To  the  court  of  old  Neptune,  the  god  of  the  sea, 

The  sons  of  Columbia  sent  a  petition, 
That  he  their  protector  and  patron  would  be, 

When   this    answer    arrived,   free   from    terms   or 
condition : 

"  Repair  to  the  sea, 
You  conquerors  shall  be, 
And  proclaim  to  the  world  that  Columbia  is  free : 
Besides,  my  proud  trident  Decatur  shall  bear, 
And  the  laurels  of  victory  triumphantly  wear."' 

The  Tritons  arose  from  their  watery  bed, 

And  sounded  their  trumpets,  jEoIus  attended, 
Who  summon'd  his  Zephyrs,  and  to  them  he  said, 
"Old  Neptune  Columbia's  cause  has  befriended 
As  the  world  you  explore, 
And  revisit  each  shore, 
To  all  nations  proclaim  the  glad  sound  evermore, 
That  Decatur  old  Neptune's  proud  trident  shall  bear, 
And  the  laurels  of  victory  triumphantly  wear." 

The  Naiads,  in  chariot  of  coral  so  bright, 

Skimm'd   swiftly  the  wide  liquid   plain  quite  en- 
chanted, 
Soon  the  proud  Macedonian  gladden'd  their  sight, 
And  Decatur  advancing,  with  courage  undaunted  : 
They  saw,  with  a  smile, 
"The  fast-anchor'd  isle" 
Resigning  the  laurels  obtain'd  at  the  Nile: 
And  when  victory  crown'd  brave  Columbia's  cause, 
The  trumpet  of  Fame  shook  the  world  with  applause. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  441 

Dame  Amphitrite  flew  to  the  archives  above, 

To  see  the  great  mandate  of  Neptune  recorded, 
When,  tracing  the  records  of  Lybian  Jove, 
To  find  where  renown  to  brave  deeds  was  awarded ; 
There  Washington's  name, 
Recorded  by  Fame, 
Resplendent  as  light,  to  her  view  quickly  came  ; 
In  rapture  she  cries,  "  Here  Decatur  I'll  place, 
On  the  page  which  the  deeds  of  brave  Washington 
grace." 

Now  charge  all  your  glasses  with  sparkling  wine, 

And  toast  our  brave  tars,  who  so  bravely  defend  us; 
While  our  naval  commanders  so  nobly  combine, 
We  defy  all  the  ills  haughty  foes  e'er  can  send  us: 
While  our  goblets  do  flow, 
The  praises  we  owe 
To  valour  and  skill  we  will  gladly  bestow, 
And  may  grateful  the  sons  of  Columbia  be 
To  Decatur,  whom  Neptune  crowns  lord  of  the  sea. 


234  STANZAS, 

Commemorative  of  some  early  achievements  of  the  Ame- 
rican Navy. 

Tune — "  The  wandering  sailor  ploughs  the  main." 

Ye  honest  tars  of  Yankee  mould, 

Whose  gallant  actions  Fame  has  told, 

Permit  a  brother  tar  to  greet 

The  flag  of  our  musquito  fleet, 

That  now  is  proudly  floating  o'er 

The  flaff  which  ruled  the  waves  before ! 


442  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Our  Constitution  first  b 
To  assert  the  equal  "  rights  of  man," 
In  that  domain  where  Britain's  pride 
Those  rights  to  other  realms  denied  ; 
But  Hull  soon  sent  her  Guerriere's  bones 
To  seek  a  birth  with  "  Davy  Jones." 

Our  little  Wasp,  on  dauntless  wing, 
Had  flown  abroad  to  try  her  sting, 
And,  being  both  alert  and  brave, 
She  took  a  Frolic  on  the  wave, 
But,  this  so  far  impair'd  her  might, 
A  stronger  foeman  stopp'd  her  flight. 

A  happier  victory  the  fates 
Decreed  for  the  United  States; 
Decatur,  on  the  brilliant  day, 
Might  "  Pens,  vich\  Diet,"  say, 
For  Britain's  naval  empire  shook, 
When  he  the  Macedonian  took. 

Again  the  Constitution  weigh'd, 
To  distant  realms  our  stars  display'd, 
When  Bainbridge,  fired  by  manly  zeal, 
Made  arrogance  his  prowess  feel ; 
For  there  he  foil'd  his  vaunting  foe, 
And  laid  the  Java's  standard  low ! 

The  Hornet  next — and  ne'er  was  seen 

So  brave  a  ship  ;  what  say  you,  Green  1* 

With  fewer  guns  and  fewer  men 

Blockaded  long  Bonne  Citoyenne. 

Which  neither  vaunts  nor  threats  could  bring 

Within  the  distance  of  her  stin«r. 


*  Captain  Green,  commander  of  the  Bonne  Citoyenne. 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

At  length  the  gallant  Hornet  flew. 
Compell'd  by  mighty  Montague, 
For  what  are  eighteen  guns  (no  more) 
'Gainst  heavy  tiers  of  sixty-four  1 
But  soon  she  met  the  boasting  foe, 
And  laid  the  Peacock's  plumage  low. 

Our  ships  are  stanch,  our  tars  are  brave 
As  ever  dared  affront  the  wave : 
We  wish,  when  they  abroad  must  roam, 
To  bear  the  peaceful  olive  home: 
But  if  insulting  foes  they  meet, 
With  laurels  they  will  load  our  fleet. 

Superior  traits  of  nautic  skill 
Columbia's  "log-book"  oft  shall  fill : 
And  there  each  gallant  captain's  name 
This  verse  shall  consecrate  with  fame ; 
"  From  equal  force  he'll  never  fly, 
But  conquer  or  most  nobly  die !" 


235  song. 

Tune— "  Hearts  of  Oak." 

Columbians,  the  glory  and  pride  of  the  main, 
They've  fought  and  they've  bled,  our  rights  to  main- 
tain, 
And  they  ne'er  will  be  vanquish'd  by  any  proud  foe, 
While  American  blood  in  their  bosoms  shall  flow : 
While  our  hulls  on  the  sea 
Triumphant  we'll  be, 
For  we  always  are  ready,  steady,  boys,  steady, 
For  to  fiorht  and  to  die,  to  die  or  be  free. 


444  NAVAL    SONGS. 

By  Hall  we  have  lost,  by  Hull  we  have  gain'd ; 
Yet  our  hulls  on  the  ocean  our  rights  have  maintain'd, 
See  Britannia  now  mourns  for  her  Warrior*  gone, 
Her  navy  has  lost  what  Columbians  have  won: 
While  our  hulls  on  the  sea,  &c. 

There  is  many  a  hero,  his  country  to  save, 
Lies  buried  and  cold  in  a  far  distant  grave ! 
Yet  their  names  shall  be  bless'd  by  ages  unborn ; 
While  there's  valour  on  earth  for  their  virtues  we'll 
mourn: 

While  our  hulls  on  the  sea,  6cc. 

Then  American  worthies  will  sure  gain  the  day 
And  drive  from  Columbia  her  foes  far  away ; 
Then  the  tyrants  of  England  with  horror  shall  learn, 
From  the  battle  with  glory  our  sons  shall  return: 
While  our  hulls  on  the  sea,  &c. 


236  OLD  IRONSIDES. 

Ay,  put  her  a-top  on  the  log-book  of  fame, 

Her  voice  always  roar'd  from  the  van,  [flame, 

When  she  bore  down  in  thunder,  and  darkness  and 
Crash,  foundering  each  foe  that  before  her  came, 
The  old  sailor's  soul  flashes  up  at  her  name, 
For  her  yards  young  Americans  man. 

Fill  her  canvass,  my  boys,  with  a  full  round  of  cheers, 

From  hearts  that  are  sound  to  the  core; 
She's  braved  the  hot  whirlwind  of  battle  for  years, 

*  English  of  Guerriere. 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

A  flag  never  struck,  at  her  mizzen  appears — 
Bristling  nations  with  awe  her  artillery  hears, 
For  victory  breathes  in  its  roar. 

She's  wrestled  the  wrath  of  winter's  fierce  gale, 

When  it  whiten'd  the  Atlantic's  breast, 
When  midnight  moan'd  like  a  maniac's  wail, 
Lightnings  glared  wild  through  the  rent  of  each  sail, 
And  sweethearts  ashore  were  weeping  and  pale, 
While  their  lovers  stood  calm  to  the  test. 

Her  deck's  been  trampled  by  Slaughter's  feet — 
Her  scuppers  choked  tight  with  gore  ; 

She  press'd  on,  the  proud  pioneer  of  the  fleet, 

Every  heart  kept  time  to  the  death-drum's  beat, 

Every  muscle  firm  as  the  iron  cleat, 
While  the  broad  flag  of  Freedom  she  bore. 

That  standard  has  flared  over  many  a  fight, 
Whose  noise  the  night  tempest  outgrew, 

When  our  country  frown'd  for  the  sailor  boy's  right, 

Read  each  decree  by  the  cannon's  dark  light, 

Tyranny's  face  turned  suddenly  white 

When  we  brought  down  his  banner  of  blue. 

Often,  again,  as  in  years  that  are  past, 

Will  our  old  ship  undaunted  dash  on, 
Her  colours  defyingly  nail'd  to  the  mast, 
Her  ports  opened  wide  to  the  blaze  and  the  blast, 
She  will  front  every  danger  and  death  to  the  last, 
And  be  cheer'd  by  America's  children,  unborn. 
38 


446  NAVAL    SONGS. 


237  ode, 

Delivered  on  board  the  ship  Constitution,  in  the  port  of 
Savannah,  to  the  "  Union  and  State  Rights  Association  of 
the  County  of  Chatham,"  on  the  11th  of  October,  1834. 

B\r    ROBERT    M.    CHARLTON. 

What  means  this  gay  assemblage  here, — 
These  joyous  shouts,  this  cheering  sound? 
Why  do  the  happy  feelings  bound, 

Unshackled  by  the  grasp  of  care? 

Why  come  the  "  imbecile  and  gray," 

To  mingle  in  these  scenes  to-day  ? 

Is  it  the  birth-day  of  our  land  ? 

Is  it  the  hour  when  freedom's  hand 

Tore  down  the  standard  of  despair. 

And  rear'd  her  own  bright  banner  here? 

No !  that  hath  pass'd  :  but  here,  to-day, 
We  come  a  sacred  debt  to  pay  ; 
We  come  with  cheerful  hearts  to  greet 
The  patriot  souls  that  here  we  meet ; 

To  speak  of  dangers  haply  past; 
To  raise  our  heartfelt  thanks  again, 
That  still  o'er  Georgia's  hill  and  plain 

Yet  fioateth  proudly  to  the  blast 
Our  country's  flag,  as  bright  and  fair, 
As  when  dear  Freedom  placed  it  hero. 

We  come  with  holy  zeal,  to  swear 

That  no  rude  hand  shall  ever  tear 

A  single  star  that  shineth  there; 

But  we  the  treasure  will  defend, 

Whilst  strength  shall  last,  till  life  shall  end. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  447 

What  better  altar  could  we  rear 

That  that  which  greets  our  vision  here  1 

What  more  befitting  spot  to  pay 

Our  thanks,  than  where  we  meet  to-day? 

The  Constitution  of  the  land 

Is  still  the  rock  on  which  we  stand ; 

But  yet,  with  unchanged  faith,  may  we 

Rest  on  (with  conscience  pure  and  free) 

The  Constitution  of  the  sea. 

We  float  not  with  uncertain  tide, 
Nor  yet  on  angry  billows  ride  : 
No  stormy  winds  are  here  to  force 
Our  vessel  on  her  devious  course ; 
But  safely  moor'd  in  our  dear  home, 
Though  winds  may  howl  and  billows  foam, 
Still  shall  the  anchor  of  our  faith 
Protect  us  from  the  direst  wrath. 
Our  pilot, — he  whose  steady  hand 
Hath  saved  our  vessel  from  the  strand, 
From  all  consolidation's  rocks, 
And  angry  nullifying  shocks, — 
Our  flag, — the  emblem  of  our  land; 
Our  crew, — the  Union's  chosen  band; 
With  these  we  will  all  power  defy ; 
With  these  we'll  conquer,  or  we'll  die. 

Our  hearts  are  glad,  but  yet  doth  care 
Commingle  with  our  gladness  here  : 
We  would  that  we  could  stand  again, 
O'er  hill  and  mountain,  moor  and  plain, 
Without  this  curse  of  bitter  strife, 
To  vex  the  current  of  our  life ; 


448  NAVAL    SONGS. 

We  would  that  all  this  toil  would  cease, 
This  wasting  war  he  changed  to  peace; 
Then  might  affection's  holy  band 
Clasp  round  the  chosen  of  our  land. 
"The  battle  is  over,  over,  over, 
The  battle  is  over — the  victory's  won  ! 
There  are  tears  for  the  fallen,  fallen,  fallen, 
But  glory  to  those  who  their  duty  have  done 

And  now,  ere  yet  we  say  farewell, 
Once  more  our  ardent  vows  we'll  tell : 
We  swear,  that,  till  our  life  shall  end, 

Whilst  one  remains  of  all  our  band, 
With  utmost  vigour  we'll  defend 

Our  flag,  our  Union,  and  our  land  ! 
May  He,  to  whom  all  spirits  bow, 
Record  and  bless  the  holy  vow. 


238         "DON'T  GIVE  UP  THE  SHIP.' 

BY    R.     M.    CHARLTO.V. 

A  hero  on  his  vessel's  deck 

Lay  weltering  in  his  gore, 
And  tatter'd  sail  and  shatter'd  wreck 

Told  that  the  fight  was  o'er  : 
But  e'en  when  death  had  glazed  his  eye 

His  feeble,  quivering  lip 
Still  utter'd  with  life's  latest  sigh. 

"Don't,  don't  give  up  the  ship." 

How  often  at  the  midnight  hour, 
When  clouds  of  sruilt  and  fear 


NAVAL    SONGS.  449 

Did  o'er  my  hapless  bosom  lower, 

To  drive  me  to  despair, 
Those  words  have  rush'd  upon  my  mind, 

And  bounded  to  my  lip, 
While  whisper'd  hope,  in  accents  kind, 

"Don't,  don't  give  up  the  ship." 

0  ye  whose  bark  is  rudely  toss'd 

Upon  life's  stormy  sea, 
When  e'en  hope's  beacon-light  seems  lost, 

And  danger's  on  the  lee, 
Though  howling  storms  of  dark  despair 

Your  luckless  vessel  strip, 
Still  lift  to  heaven  your  ardent  prayer, 

And  "Don't  give  up  the  ship." 

And  ye  who  sigh  for  beauty's  smile, 

Yet  droop  beneath  her  sneer, 
Who'd  deem  e'en  heaven  a  desert  isle, 

If  woman  were  not  there  ; 
If  yon  would  hope  each  honey'd  sweet 

From  her  dear  lips  to  sip, 
Though  she  may  spurn,  thy  vows  repeat, 

And  "  Don't  give  up  the  ship." 

0  let  these  words  your  motto  be, 

Whatever  ills  befall ; 
Though  foes  beset,  and  pleasures  flee, 

And  passion's  wiles  enthral, 
Though  danger  spread  her  ready  snare, 

Your  erring  steps  to  trip, 
Remember  that  dead  hero's  prayer, 

And  "Don't  give  up  the  ship." 

38* 


450  NAVAL    SONGS. 

239         DEATH  OF  MACDONOUGH. 

BY    ROBERT    S.    COFFIN. 

The  temple  is  wreck'd !     Ami  the  spirit  has  fled 
Of  Macdonough,  the  good  and  the  brave; 

His  relics  repose  in  the  place  of  the  dead, 
And  his  dirge  in  the  moan  of  the  wave. 

The  lake's  stormy  bosom  is  hush'd  in  repose; 

The  surge  of  Champlain  is  at  rest ; 
The  voice  of  the  deep  speaks  in  whispers  its  woes, 

And  the  wind  sighs  adieu  to  the  blest. 

The  temple  is  wreck'd  !     And  a  tenant  no  more 

Inhabits  the  house  of  decay  ; 
For  the  spirit  beauty  of  holiness  bore, 

And  leaves  us  forever  and  aye. 

Ye  warriors  of  freedom,  ye  dauntless,  ye  brave, 

In  the  path  of  Macdonough  abide  ; 
Xo  terrors  for  him  e'er  had  death  or  the  grave ; 

As  a  Christian  he  lived,  and  he  died  ! 


240  THE  PHANTOM  SHIP. 

'Twas  midnight  dark, 

The  seaman's  bark 
Swift  o'er  the  waters  bore  him  ; 

When,  through  the  night, 

He  spied  a  light 
Shoot  o'er  the  wave  before  him. 
"  A  sail !  a  sail  !*'  he  cries, 

"She  comes  from  the  Indian  shore, 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

And  to-night  shall  be  our  prize, 

With  her  freight  of  golden  ore." 

Sail  on,  sail  on; 

When  morning  shone, 
He  saw  the  gold  still  clearer, 

But  though  so  fast 

The  waves  he  pass'd, 
That  boat  seem'd  never  the  nearer. 

Bright  daylight  came, 

And  still  the  same 
Rich  bark  before  him  floated ; 

While  on  the  prize 

His  wishful  eyes, 
Like  any  young  lover's,  doted. 
"  More  sail !  more  sail !"  he  cries, 

While  the  wave  o'er-tops  the  mast, 
And  his  bounding  galley  flies, 

Like  an  arrow  before  the  blast. 

Thus  on  and  on, 
•   Till  day  was  gone, 
And  the  moon  through  heaven  did  hie  her, 

He  swept  the  main, 

But  all  in  vain, 
That  boat  seem'd  never  the  nigher. 

And  many  a  day 

To  night  gave  way, 
And  many  a  morn  succeeded, 

While  still  his  flight, 

Through  day  and  night, 
That  restless  mariner  speeded. 

Who  knows — who  knows  what  seas 

He  is  now  careering1  o'er1? 


452  NAVAL    SONOS. 

Behind  the  eternal  bi 

And  that  mocking  bark  before! 

ForO!  till  sky 

And  earth  shall  die, 
And  their  death  leave  none  to  rue  it. 

That  boat  must  flee 

O'er  the  boundless  sea, 
And  that  ship  in  vain  pursue  it. 


241  LITTLE-BULL-ERO. 

When  Guerriere,  Dacres,  from  Halifax  §ail'd, 
He  boasted  that  he  the  ocean  would  sweep, 
And  to  his  mast-head  some  canvass  he  nail'd 
To  scare  every  Yankee  that  furrow'd  the  deep. 
American  seamen,  as  well  as  our  yeomen, 
Will  fight  for  the  flag  of  their  nation, 
And  old  Johnny  Bull  may  yet  have  his  full, 
When  he  visits  his  Yankee  relation — 
With  his  Little-bull-ero  little-bull-a. 

Near  the  banks  of  Newfoundland  the  British  fell  in 

With  a  brave  little  crew  of  American  tars, 
Both   frigates   well    found,   both   crews   with   hearts 
swelling, 
None  shrunk  from  the  conflict,  none  dreaded  their 
scars.  American  seamen,  &c. 

The  high  sounding  threats,  flying  at  the  mast-head, 
Appall'd  not  the  hearts  of  a  newly-shipp'd  crew : 

Each  man  to  his  gun  advanced  without  dread, 
Like  heroes  they  fought,  to  America  true. 
American  seamen,  &c. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  453 

The  British  had  boasted  for  twenty  long  years 
By  force  nearly  equal  they  never  were  beat, 

That  the  French  seldom  met  them  without  many  fears, 
"  And  always  take  care  to  secure  a  retreat." 
American  seamen,  &c. 

The  good  Constitution,  commanded  by  Hull, 
Away  threw  no  powder  or  wasted  no  ball ; 

Each  shot  that  she  fired  spoke  loud  to  John  Bull, 
"  Ship  to  ship,  my  brave  messmates,  our  foe  must 
soon  fall."  American  seamen,  &c. 

The  laurel  which  Britain  so  nobly  had  won, 
Achieved  by  her  Nelsons,  St.  Vincents,  and  Blakes, 

From  her  brows  in  a  moment  was  gallantly  torn, 
By  the  brave  Captain  Hull  in  this  game  of  sweep- 
stakes. American  seamen,  &c. 

Long  life  to  our  valiant  defenders  at  sea, 

Success  to  the  soldiers  who  guard  our  frontiers ; 

May  Quebec  feel  the  shock  of  men  bom  to  be  free, 
And  Canada  tremble  before  our  three  cheers. 
American  seamen,  &c. 

Political  squabbles  may  each  other  provoke, 
I  hate  their  damn'd  jargon  ;  give  me  but  the  lads 

Who  will  stand  to  their  quarters  amid  fire  and  smoke, 
Though  surrounded  by  foes,  who  will  never  look  sad. 
American  seamen,  &c. 

Since  war  is  the  word,  let  us  strain  every  nerve 
To  humble  the  lion,  our  greatness  increase, 

Then  shoulder  your  firelocks,  your  country  preserve, 
Since  the  hotter  the  war,  boys,  the  sooner  comes 
peace.  American  seamen,  &c. 


454  NAVAL    SONGS. 

242  TO  CAPTAIN  LAWRENCE. 

Hail  !  Lawrence,  hail !  the  god  of  war 

Shall  claim  thee  as  his  favourite  son; 
And  Fame,  with  thousand  trumpets  more, 

Shall  spread  the  victory  thou  hast  won. 
Live,  Lawrence,  live !  the  brave  revere 
The  honour'd  name  that  cowards*  fear. 
Lawrence  !  thy  country  now  shall  know 

Thy  merit — as  a  seamen  true ; 
While  gratitude  and  pride  shall  go 

To  greet  thy  officers  and  crew. 
Memory,  retentive  to  thy  worth, 
Shall  hail  the  day  that  gave  thee  birth. 
Memory  shall  call  thee  oft  to  mind, 

Shall  bring  thee  to  our  anxious  view, 
With  laurels  round  thy  temples  twined 

Engaged  in  signal  victory  new ; 
Dwelling  with  rapture  on  the  sight, 
We'll  lead  the  victor  through  the  fight. 
The  Englishmen  and  coward  Turk 

Have  felt  thy  furious,  vengeful  wrath  ; 
Though  twice  the  number  round  thee  lurk, 

You'll  mark  for  each  his  destined  path. 
Bach  stubborn  foe  must  know  his  fate, 
And  sink  if  he  should  strike  too  late. 
Jersey  beholds  thee  with  a  smile, 

A  native  of  this  pleasant  state ; 
Thy  name  shall  reach  beyond  the  Nile, 

Shall  stand  with  others  brave  and  great, 
Shall  stand  forever — History's  page 
Shall  tell  thee  to  a  future  age. 

*  Captain  Green,  of  the  Bonne  Citoyenne. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  455 

243  THE  SAILOR'S  ORPHANS. 

BY   THOMAS   MAC    KELLAR. 

Boy — Girl —  Traveller. 

Girl.  My  brother  dear !  I'm  faint  and  weak ; 
0,  hold  me  with  your  hand ; 
The  sky  and  trees  are  running  round  ; 
I  can  no  longer  stand. 

Boy.  0  gentle  sister  !  lean  on  me! 
For  you  I'm  sure  I'd  die  ; 
Rest  on  this  bank,  and  let  your  head 
Upon  my  bosom  lie. 

Girl.  My  brother  dear !  we've  travell'd  far — 
When  will  our  journey  end  1 
I'm  weary,  hungry,  sick,  and  sad — 
Where  shall  we  find  a  friend  1 

Boy.  0  sister,  our  dear  mother  said, 

That  God  a  friend  will  be 
To  those  who  seek  him  in  their  need — 

And  this  now  comforts  me. — 
0  Lord  !  look  on  our  hapless  lot ; 

Two  little  orphans  we, 
With  none  to  love  us  in  the  world, 

And  not  a  friend  but  Thee  ! — 
Now,  sister  dear !  the  darkness  comes, 

But  let  us  trust  in  God  ; 
For  he  will  watch  us,  while  we  sleep 

Upon  this  dewy  sod. 

Trav.  Ho  !  little  ones !  why  loitering  here  ? 
The  night  is  coming  fast ; 


456  NAVAL    SONGS. 

Hie  quickly  to  your  happy  home, 
Before  the  day  is  past. 

Boy.  We  have  no  home  ;  our  mother  lies 
Deep  buried  in  the  ground  ; 
Our  father  sail'd  upon  the  seas, 
And  in  a  storm  was  drown'd. 

His  ship  was  wreck'd  upon  the  rocks, 
When  dreadful  winds  did  blow; 

And  this  broke  our  kind  mothers  heart- 
And  laid  her  body  low. 

Last  evening,  to  the  burial-ground 
They  bore  her  corpse  away  ; 

And  we  have  come  along  this  road, 
E'er  since  the  break  of  day. 

Now  homeless,  parentless,  and  poor, 
We  know  not  where  to  go ; 

But  God  will  not  let  orphans  starve — 
Our  mother  told  us  so. 

Trav.  Sad  is  your  lot,  ye  hapless  babes  ! 
I  will  your  father  be  ; 
I've  no  one  on  this  earth  to  love — 
Then  come  along  with  me ! 

Boy.  Sweet  sister !  now  our  prayer  is  heard 
How  soon  our  griefs  have  fled  ! 
0,  let  us  praise  His  holy  name — 
'Tis  just  as  mother  said  ! 

Trav.  Upon  my  strong  and  noble  steed, 
Sit  firm,  my  little  ones; 
And  food  and  shelter  soon  we'll  find, 
For  like  the  wind  he  runs. 


NAVAL    SONGS.  457 

Boy.  0  gentle  sir!  that  distant  house, 
That  dimly  comes  to  sight, 
Is  where  our  tender  parents  lived, 
When  all  our  hearts  were  light. 
Trav.  There  shall  we  rest,  beneath  His  care 
Who  promises  to  keep 
All  those  who  put  their  trust  in  Him 

Awake,  or  when  asleep. 

— The  sun  is  rising  in  the  east ; 
Rise,  children,  from  your  bed  ; 
Again  partake,  with  gratitude, 

The  bounties  God  hath  spread. 
Then  lead  me  to  your  mother's  grave, 
That  spot  I  fain  would  see. 
Boy.  'Twas  here  they  laid  her  form,  beneath 

This  weeping  willow  tree. 
Trav.  Sweet,  gentle  woman  !  well  beloved  ! 
I'll  turn  aside  and  weep, 
While  o'er  my  pensive  mind  awhile 
Its  early  memories  creep. 
Boy.  See  !  sister,  see  !  the  good  man  weeps  ! 
The  tears  his  cheeks  bedew  ! 
O,  let  us  love  him,  for  it  seems 
He  loved  our  mother  too. 
Trav.  My  noble  boy,  and  gentle  girl, 
Sit  near  me  on  this  mound, 
While  I  a  simple  tale  shall  tell, 

Upon  this  holy  ground. 
The  angry  waves  ran  mountain  high, 

The  night  was  pitchy  dark, 
When  furious  winds  upon  the  rocks 
Dash'd  your  poor  father's  bark. 
39 


NAVAL    SONGS. 

But  when  his  vessel  split  in  twain, 

Amid  the  surge's  roar, 
Upon  a  fragment  of  the  wreck 

He  floated  to  the  shore. 
But  soon,  alas  !  a  savage  band 

Came  down,  like  beasts  of  prey, 
And  bore  him  o'er  the  desert's  sands 

To  slavery  away. 
For  five  long  years  he  bore  the  task, 

The  burden  of  a  slave 
To  cruel  Arabs,  till  he  sigh'd 

For  refuge  in  the  grave. 
The  Arab  bargain'd  him  away 

To  one  who  wander'd  wide, 
And  oft  across  the  burning  sands, 

Where  every  rill  is  dried. 
He  brought  him  to  a  city,  where 

Some  Christian  men  agreed 
To  pay  the  ransom-price,  for  which 

The  captive  should  be  freed. 

Your  father  then  sought  out  a  ship 
In  haste,  to  reach  his  home ; 

44  And  never  more  will  I,"  he  cried, 
"From  kin  and  country  roam." 

The  favouring  winds  bore  on  the  ship 

To  New  York's  noble  bay : 
He  sprang  ashore,  and  to  his  home 
He  swiftly  urged  his  way. 

And,  as  the  shades  of  night  came  down, 

Two  little  ones  he  met, 
Reposing  on  the  verdant  grass, 

By  dews  of  evening  wet. 


NAVAL   SONGS 

His  heart  yeam'd  o'er  them,  as  they  told 

The  touching-  woes  they  knew 

B.  frG.  The  children  we !     It  is  !  it  is  !— 
Dear  father !  it  is  you  ! 


244  YANKEE  JACK. 

When  Jack  was  on  the  giddy  mast, 

And  lightning-  danced  along  the  shrouds; 
When  every  moment  seem'd  the  last, 

And  death  frown'd  threatening  from  the  clouds  ; 
Jack  cast  a  tearful  eye  around, 

And  thought  upon  his  native  valley  ; 
And  mid  the  pealing  thunder's  sound, 

His  voice  was  heard,  "Farewell,  my  Sally." 
The  storm  soon  ceased  ;  the  winds  were  hush'd, 

The  mirth-inspiring  can  was  quafF'd, 
Jack  for  his  former  terrors  blush'd, 
And  at  the  recent  danger  laugh'd. 
A  soft  emotion  in  his  breast 

Still  brought  to  mind  his  native  valley, 
And  ere  his  lips  the  bumper  press'd, 
He,  smiling,  toasted  lovely  Sally. 
When  war's  red  pennant  raised  on  high 

Appear'd  the  signal  for  attack, 
New  courage  beam'd  from  every  eye, 
But  not  a  soul  more  bold  than  Jack : 
A  fervent  prayer  to  heaven  he  sigh'd 
For  blessings  on  his  native  valley ; 
"I  care  not  for  my  fate,"  he  cried, 
"  But  if  I  fall,  O  bless  my  Sally." 
His  guardian  angel  heard  the  prayer, 
And  wept  that  it  was  breathed  so  late; 


460  NAVAL    SONGS. 

For  at  that  moment,  from  afar, 

Flew  the  shrill  whistling  ball  of  fate. 
Jack  wounded  fell,  and  fainting  cried, 

"Farewell,  my  dear,  my  native  va 
And  as  life's  current  ebb'd,  he  sigh'd, 

"  Farewell  forever,  lovely  Sa". 

• — 

245  THE  PILOT. 

"  0  pilot  !  'tis  a  fearful  night, 

There's  danger  on  the  deep, 
I'll  come  and  pace  the  deck  with  thee, 

I  do  not  dare  to  sleep." 
"  Go  down  !"  the  sailor  cried,  "  go  down, 

This  is  no  place  for  thee  ; 
Fear  not  !  but  trust  in  Providence, 

Wherever  thou  mayst  be." 
"Ah  !  pilot,  dangers  often  met 

We  all  are  apt  to  slight, 
And  thou  hast  known  these  raging  waves, 

But  to  subdue  their  might." 
"  It  is  not  apathy,"  he  cried, 

"  That  gives  this  strength  to  me  : 
Fear  not !  but  trust  in  Providence, 

Wherever  thou  mayst  be. 
"  On  such  a  night  the  sea  engulf  d 

My  father's  lifeless  form  ; 
My  only  brother's  boat  went  down 

In  just  so  wild  a  storm; 
And  such,  perhaps,  may  be  my  fate, — 

But  still  I  say  to  thee, 
Fear  not!  but  trust  in  Providence, 

Wherever  thou  mayst  be." 


TABLE 
OF  FIRST  LINES. 


A  century  had  Britain  held Page  123 

Again  Columbia's  stripes,  unfurled 57 

Again  our  eagle's  anger'd  eyes  335 

Again  the  voice  of  victory  cheers 377 

A  hero  on  his  vessel's  deck 448 

Ah  !  who  would  loiter  on  life's  utmost  verge 129 

All  hail,  Columbia's  sons !  once  more 208 

An  American  frigate — a  frigate  of  fame 85 

An  anecdote  the  town  repeat    229 

And  on  the  wave  Columbia's  hardy  band 430 

Argo  of  Greece,  that  brought  the  fleece 46 

Arise!  arise!  Columbia's  sons,  arise  ! 174 

A  sail !  all  hands !  the  boatswain  pipes 43 

As  Neptune  traced  the  azure  main 276 

As  old  Queen  Charlotte, — a  worthless  old  varlet 429 

As  pensive,  this  night  on  my  sea-chest  I  lay 102 

As  the  sun  was  retiring  beyond  the  high  mountains  . .  369 

At  Columbia's  loud  call  my  dear  William  consented. .  92 

Avast,  honest  Jack  !  now,  before  you  get  mellow 71 

A  Yankee  ship,  and  a  Yankee  crew 247 

Ay,  put  her  a-top  on  the  log-book  of  Fame 444 

Ay,  tear  her  tattered  ensign  down  ! 157 

Back  side  Albany  stan'  Lake  Champlain 189 

Before  the  stars  of  Liberty 98 

Bold  Barclay  one  day,  to  Proctor  did  say 73 

Brave  hearts  of  ocean  chivalry 206 

Brave  warrior  of  old  ocean 187 

Britannia's  gallant  streamers 216 

But  who  can  paint  the  bright,  effulgent  flame 96 

"  By  the  trident  of  Neptune,"  brave  Hull  cried 35 

39*  461 


462  TABLE    Or    FIRST    LINES. 


Call  the  watch  !—  coll  the  watch  !   Page  153 

Charley  Stewart  when  a  youth 359 

Cheer  up,  my  callant  band  ! 87 

Columbia  appear  !     To  thy  mountains  ascend 34»» 

Columbia,  how  bright  is  the  fresh  bluoming  mt 

Columbians,  rouse  to  glory 

Columbians,  strike  the  enlivening  strain  

Columbians,  the  glory  and  pride  of  the  muin   

Columbian  tars  are  hearts  of  oak 306 

Columbia's  bold  seamen,  wherever  you  be 

Columbia's  sons,  prepare,  unite 41 

Come,  all  ye  bold  Xorthwestmen 227 

Come,  all  ye  lads  who  know  no  fear 

Come,  all  ye  noble  host 

Come,  all  ye  tars  that  brave  the  sea 

Come,  all  you  boys 411 

Come,  all  you  lads  of  courage  bold 437 

Come,  all  you  sons  of  Liberty,  that  to  the  seas  belong  .  60 

Come  all  you  Yankee  sailors,  with  swords 

Come,  banish  all  your  petty  jars 415 

Come,  lads,  draw  near 

Come,  listen,  my  cocks,  to  a  brother  and  friend 96 

Come,  messmates,  chcerly  lead  the  night 1  43 

Come,  Yankee  lads,  your  flag  unfold 349 

Dark  is  the  night,  and  deep  and  lowering 19 

For  a  nautical  knight ;  a  lady — heigho 293 

Forever  remembered  be  the  gallant  story 281 

Four  gallant  ships  from  England  came 112 

Freedom's  sons,  awake  to  glory 

Fresh  blows  the  gale — o'er  ocean's  azure  realm 125 

From  cruising  near  the  southern  pole 

From  dungeons  of  Britain,  which  float  on  the  main   . 

From  Halifax  station  a  bully  there  came 33 

From  hill-tops  to  valleys,  where  rushed  the  rude 69 

From  realms  where  mad  ambition  reigns 242 

From  the  laurel's  fairest  bough 50 


TABLE    OF    FIRST   LINES.  463 

Gayly,  lads,  our  friends  we're  leaving P°ge  160 

Hail !  Lawrence,  hail  !  the  god  of  war 454 

Hail !  Lion-tamer  of  the  seas 31 

Hail  to  the  chief,  now  in  glory  advancing 379 

Hail  to  the  day  which  arises  in  splendour 444 

Hail  to  the  heroes  whose  triumphs  have  brighten'd. . .  365 

Hail  to  the  heroes  from  ocean  returning 91 

Hark  !  again  the  cannon's  roar 221 

Hark  !  hark  !  o'er  ocean's  subject  wave 424 

High  fill  the  bowl,  and  round  it  twine 420 

High  waving,  unsullied,  unstruck,  proudly  showeth. . .  373 

His  couch  was  his  shroud — in  his  hammock  he  died . .  Ill 

How  blest  the  life  a  sailor  leads 15S 

How  sad  the  note  of  that  funereal  drum 321 

Huzza  for  the  lads  of  the  ocean 142 

Huzza,  my  boys !  the  ship  Vincennes 395 

I'm  here  and  there  a  jolly  dog, 432 

In  chorus  now  join,  while  my  hobby  I  sing 244 

Intrepid  veteran  of  the  wave 128 

In  Washington's  time 226 

I  often  have  been  told 29 

I  saw  the  green  turf  resting  cold 399 

I  seek  not  the  grove  where  the  wood-robins  whistle. . .  324 

Islet  on  the  lake's  calm  bosom 347 

John  Bull  in  a  passion  once  stoutly  resolved 191 

John  Bull,  who  has  for  ten  years  past 213 

Leap  forth  to  the  careering  seas 248 

Let  glory  proclaim  to  the  hills  of  the  west 236 

Let  others  sing,  whilst  loudly  ring 384 

Let  turban'd  Turks  their  boasts  give  o'er 388 

Long,  the  tyrant  of  our  coast    36 

My  brother  dear,  I'm  faint  and  weak 455 

My  lords,  with  your  leave 104 


464  TABLE    OF    FIRST    LINES. 

Night  and  all  her  sable  brood Page  409 

No  more  of  your  blathering  nonsense 230 

Now  coil  up  your  nonsense  'bout  England's  great  navy  141 

Now  for  the  rock  our  warlike  frigate  bore 

O'er  the  bosom  of  Erie  in  fanciful  pride 329 

O'er  the  mountains  the  sun  of  our  lame  was  declining.  295 

O'er  the  rough  main,  with  flowing  sheet 14 

O'er  the  trident  of  Neptune,  Britannia  had  boasted  ...  45 

O'er  the  waste  of  waters  cruising 23 

Of  Columbia  in  her  might 

0  freemen  !  raise  a  joyous  strain 

O  haste,  ye  youthful  warriors,  fly 2'::J 

O  Johnny  Bull  is  much  perplex'd 132 

O,  Johnny  Bull,  my  joe.  John,  I  wonder  what 

O,  know  ye  the  land  where  the  clifl*  and  the   moun- 
tain    308 

Old  Neversink,  with  bonnet  blue 881 

On  quarter-deck  Lord  Dacres  stood      37  -i 

On  wings  of  glory  swift  as  light 433 

0  pilot !  'tis  a  fearful  night 460 

O,  strike  up  the  harp  to  the  warriors  returning 203 

O  thou  enlivener  of  the  human  mind 389 

Our  country's  like  a  ship  of  war 100 

Our  sails  are  spread  before  the  wind 432 

Our  trade  to  restore,  as  it  stood  once  before 268 

Our  walls  are  on  the  sea 107 

Our  Yankee  ships,  in  fleet  career 

O  !  when  in  some  illustrious  fight 1  IS 

O  !  who  can  conceive  how  acute  are  my  pains 179 

O  wild  is  the  land  where  the  yell  and  the  cry 313 

Parading  near  Saint  Peter's  flood 

Rare  birds,  'lis  said,  are  seldom  best 423 

Rejoice,  rejoice  !   Freedom's  sons,  rejoice 326 

Rise,  Queen  of  the  west  !   let  the  standard  of  war 350 

Rise  !  sons  of  Freedom  !  rise 181 


TABLE    OF    FIRST    LINES.  465 

See  Decatur,  our  hero,  returns  from  the  west Page  228 

See  them  meeting 306 

Sir  George  Prevost,  with  all  his  host 198 

Sir  Peter  came,  with  bold  intent 274 

Sons  of  Freedom,  break,  your  slumbers ! 212 

Sons  of  Freedom,  listen  to  me 254 

Sons  of  the  deep  !  ye  spirits  brave 165 

Split  my  seams  !  'tis  no  time  for  a  seaman  to  shy  ....    105 
Strike  the  bold  string  !     The  sounding  anthem  raise. .   383 

Strong  is  the  love  of  native  home 163 

Sure,  have  you  not  heard  of  that  pesky  John  Bull  ....     67 

That  steed  has  lost  his  rider !  I  have  seen 318 

The  anchor  weigh'd,  the  cannon's  roar 1 62 

The  Armstrong  arrived  in  the  port  of  Fayal 289 

The  banner  of  Freedom  high  floated  unfurl'd 209 

The  brilliant  task  to  you  assign'd 266 

The  British  long  have  ruled  the  seas 419 

The  Dey  of  Algiers  not  being  afraid  of  his  ears 136 

The  drums  were  muffled,  and  reversed  the  arms 348 

The  frigates  of  England,  the  queen  of  the  seas 238 

The  goddess  of  Freedom,  borne  down  by  oppression  . .     88 

The  hero  of  Erie  hath  gone  to  the  rest 400 

The  king,  God  bless  him,  late  at  early  morn 380 

The  loud  wind  roar'd  and  fast  the  rain 420 

The  moon  silver'd  o'er  the  rough  surge 402 

There  budgets  are  of  every  kind 417 

The  scene  of  death  is  past ;  the  cannon's  roar 393 

The  sons  of  old  ocean  advanced  from  the  bay 116 

The  streamers  were  flying,  the  canvass  was  spreading.   405 

The  sun  has  sunk  beneath  the  west 53 

The  sun  was  low — a  flood  of  light 1 20 

The  temple  is  wreck'd !  and  the  spirit  has  fled 450 

The  twenty-second  of  August 250 

The  watery  god,  great  Neptune,  lay 10 

The  wave  of  old  Ocean's  the  field  for  the  brave 79 

"^he  youthful  sailor  mounts  the  bark 179 

This  life,  boys,  at  best's  but  a  rough  sort  of  trip 166 


466  TABLE    OF    FIRST    LINES 

Though  now  we  are  sluggish  and  lazy  on  shore.  Page  323 

Through  these  drcur  walls,  where  fiends 1  68 

'Tis  midnight,  the  dark  wave  of  Erie  flows  lone 32.5 

'Tis  night !     Columbia's  foe  is  nigh 401 

To  arms  !  to  arms  !  republic  of  the  West 330 

"  To  clear  the  lake  of  Perry's  fleet 64 

To  guard  the  free  pathway  of  his  watery  domain. . .  . 

To  lift  his  name  to  high  renown 284 

To  the  court  of  old  Neptune,  the  god  of  the  s.  a 440 

Towards  Afric's  coast  the  wind  did  blow 172 

'Twas  in  the  reign  of  George  the  Third 5 

'Twas  midnight  dark 450 

'Twas  near  that  barbarous  coast  whence  every  passing  368 

'Twas  on  a  dark  and  stormy  night 367 

Unveil'd  mid  Nature's  glorious  birth 146 

Wake,  sons  of  Columbia  !  wake  gratitude's  lay 357 

We  sail'd  to  and  fro  on  Erie's  broad  lake 364 

What  distant  thunders  rend  the  skies 12 

What  is  wealth  1   that  men  will  roam 114 

What  means  this  gay  assemblage  here 446 

What  shouts  of  rapture  burst  around 342 

When  a  boy,  Harry  Bluff'  left  his  friends  and  his  home  413 

When  America,  first,  at  Heaven's  command 339 

When  Britain,  fired  with  savage  rage 319 

When  Britain  first,  at  Heaven's  command 397 

When  Britain  first  impell'd  by  pride 413 

When  Columbia's  shores  receding 302 

Whene'er  the  tyrants  of  the  main 184 

When  engaged  on  the  ocean,  the  brave  Yankee  tar  . . .  179 

When  Fame  shall  tell  the  splendid  story 233 

When  Freedom,  fair  Freedom,  her  banner  display 'd  .  .  304 

When  Freedom  first  the  triumph  sung 205 

When  Freedom's  star  its  last  bright  gleam 243 

When  Grecian  bands  lent  Persia's  legions  aid 93 

When  Guerriere,  Dacres,  from  Halifax  sail'd 452 

When  Jack  was  on  the  giddy  m.i>t 459 

When  late  Columbia's  patriot  brave 406 


TABLE    OF    FIRST    LINES.  4  07 

When  spring  returns  with  western  gales Page  260 

When  our  navy  yet  was  young 387 

When  our  seafaring  subjects,  abused  and  imprest 358 

When  the  anchor's  weigh'd  and  the  ship's  unmoor'd. .  100 

When  the  Washington  ship  by  the  English  was  beat.  299 

Where  lordly  Champlain,  on  its  wild  surging  waves. .  386 

Where  Niagara's  awful  roar 270 

Where  roll  thy  billows,  O  Champlain  !  202 

Where  slowly  moves  the  warrior's  laurell'd  bier 80 

While  Europe,  displaying  her  fame-claiming  page. . . .  122 

While  glory  throws  o'er  Perry's  name 376 

While  war,  fierce  monster,  stain'd  with  guiltless  blood  170 

Why  weeps  the  muse,  her  glory  fled  1 307 

Wide  o'er  the  wilderness  of  waves 240 

With  his  ship  all  well  mann'd,  and  chock  full  of  fight.  219 

With  slow  and  solemn  sound  the  tower  clock  tolls  . . .  352 

Yankee  sailors  have  a  knack 230 

Yankee  tars,  come  join  the  chorus 48 

Ye  brave  sons  of  Freedom,  whose  bosoms  beat  high  . .  89 

Ye  Demos  attend,  and  ye  Federals,  too 59 

Ye  freemen  of  Columbia !  be  mindful  of  your  fame. . .  360 

Ye  gallant  sons  of  Liberty 434 

Ye  generous  sons  of  Freedom's  happy  climes 151 

Ye  honest  tars  of  Yankee  mould 441 

Ye  seamen  and  ye  landsmen  all 109 

Ye  seamen  of  America,  rouse,  rouse  your  native  fires  .  224 

Ye  seamen  of  Columbia 220 

Ye  seamen  of  Columbia  !  now  claim  your  native  seas.  328 

Ye  sons  of  Columbia,  come,  let  us  rejoice 149 

Ye  sons  of  Columbia,  the  trumpet  of  Fame 178 

Ye  sons  of  free  Columbia,  whose  fathers  dared 408 

Ye  sons  of  old  Neptune,  whose  spirits  of  steel 138 

Ye  tars  of  Columbia,  give  ear  to  my  story 82 

Ye  tars  of  Columbia  !  who  seek  on  the  main 38 

Ye  tars  of  Columbia,  whose  glory  imparts 93 

Ye  true  sons  of  Freedom,  give  ear  to  my  song 297 

You  Parliament  of  England,  you  Lords  and  Commons     76 

You've  heard  of  bold  Commodore  Stewart 357 


